With about an hour to go until the NHL trade deadline hits, the San Jose Sharks have made another move. Again, it's not the move expected or hoped for (a trade for Rick Nash presently dominates the headlines), but it appears to be a solid one. First, Bob McKenzie of TSN reported that the Sharks were working out a deal with the Colorado Avalanche, but not for David Jones as previously discussed.
Hearing SJS are closing in on a deal for depth forward Daniel Winnik from COL, but not done yet. #TradeCentre
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 27, 2012
Winnick would be a solid addition as a defensive forward. He can score when really needed to, has high CORSI numbers and is solid on the penalty kill, an area of constant need for the Sharks. He won't get a ton of ice time initially, but is young and hard-working, and you never know.
Then, McKenzie goes and and confirms it in his next tweet, adding that the Sharks received a 7th-round pick and T.J. Galiardi on top of that. There's no news who or what the Sharks gave up in this trade, but if it's something really significant, it could be a bad deal. Fortunately, it's likely that it's not significant, in which case the Sharks picked up at least one solid contributor and definitely two good spots for depth.
Update: According to a writer for the Denver Post, the Sharks have sent Jamie McGinn, Mike Connolly, and Michael Sgarbossa in exchange for Winnik, Galiardi and the 7th-round pick. At first glance, the trade is a good one, but losing McGinn does hurt. He's been very solid for the Sharks on the third line of late, and will probably play very well for the Avalanche.
The trade deadline is about an hour away, set for noon pacific.