Kraken acquire D Jaycob Megna from Sharks: What the trade means for Seattle, San Jose

The Seattle Kraken acquired defenseman Jaycob Megna from the San Jose Sharks, the team announced Sunday. Here’s what you need to know:

The Sharks are receiving a conditional 2023 fourth-round draft pick as part of the deal. The conditions on the draft pick are that Seattle currently has two 2023 fourth-round picks (theirs and Colorado’s) and the Kraken have until June 15th to decide which one they will send to San Jose.
Megna, 30, has one goal and 11 assists in 48 games played this season.
The Kraken (29-15-5) sit first in the Pacific Division. The Sharks (15-25-11) sit seventh in the Pacific Division.

The #SJSharks have acquired a fourth-round pick from Seattle in exchange for defenseman Jaycob Megna.
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) February 6, 2023

Backstory

Megna has again proven to be a near-perfect fit next to Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson this season. It’s hard to find defensemen who can play 18 minutes per game and are consistently either break-even or net-positive on a budget. Guys in his salary range typically can’t handle the minutes or the level of competition that comes with skating next to the No. 1 guy.

The Kraken is in its second year of existence as the NHL’s latest expansion franchise. Sitting atop the Pacific Division heading into the All-Star break, the Kraken is looking to secure its first Stanley Cup Playoffs berth in franchise history this season.

The Athletic’s instant analysis:

Was this move expected?

Not really, but it shouldn’t be that big of a surprise, either. First-year general manager Mike Grier’s long-term plan includes getting younger, improving the prospect pool and creating more salary cap flexibility.

Megna is under contract through next season at a team-friendly cost of $762,500. The Sharks didn’t need to trade Megna, but he’s also 30 years old and not a core player for the club. — Masisak

Trade’s impact on the Sharks’ defense

Megna played with Karlsson on the top defense pairing. Scott Harrington has also played a little with Karlsson, but this could be a chance for recently acquired Jacob MacDonald to play in a larger role. Nikolai Knyzhov will also likely get a chance to play with Karlsson at some point later in the season.

Knyzhov played with Karlsson as a rookie in 2020-21, but missed all of last season and returned to play last week in the AHL after a series of serious injuries, including a torn Achilles. There is also one less NHL veteran in front of prospects Nick Cicek and Artemi Kniazev, who could both get an extended look later in the season. — Masisak