Preview/Lines #63: Bonino Wants to Stay With Sharks

The morning after the NHL Trade Deadline feels like the calm after the storm. After a busier-than-expected deadline for the San Jose Sharks, the team now has to recoup (and readjust) to the new changes ahead of their tilt against the Calgary Flames.

Veteran Nick Bonino, whose name hadn’t escaped trade rumors, highlighted an obvious change to the Sharks’ lineup – the absence of his linemate and friend, Andrew Cogliano, who was dealt to the Western Conference-leading Colorado Avalanche.

SOURCE: Bonino, Nieto on Trade Block?

“You know, looking [at] where we are and where Colorado is – he went to a team that has a really good chance to win something. He’s had a long career and as a hard-working, true professional, I’m happy for him, and I hope he does well.”

The combination of Bonino being out of the playoffs for the first time in his career and the Sharks received a couple of calls on him made for an interesting Trade Deadline for him. It was an observation that the two-time Stanley Cup champion made a couple weeks ago, about never missing the playoffs in a decade-long career as an NHL regular.

“I talked to Joe [Will] a little, but I’m signed here for next year. It’s obviously been frustrating, where we’re sitting right now, but I do like it here. I think especially over the last couple of weeks there’s [been] a lot of optimism around the room. We’ll [just] see what happens in the last 20 games, and then go from there,” said Bonino.

“But you know, my family’s moved a lot in the last few years. Nashville to Minnesota to San Jose all within a year and a half. So it’s been busy for us, [and] personally, I’m happy to be here and stay with the Sharks and see what happens.”

Bonino is signed for $2.05 million dollars next year and has a five-team No-Trade list.

Bonino: “I want to be in San Jose.”

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) March 22, 2022

San Jose Sharks (27-27-8)

With Kaapo Kahkonen having made his way to Calgary (although James Reimer will start) and call-ups like Sasha Chmelevski plus changes on the blue line, fans will get their first chance to see the changes made at the Deadline at work.

These are how the San Jose Sharks’ lines shook out per morning skate, but they are subject to change ahead of puck drop

Megna-Burns
Karlsson-Merkley
Vlasic-Meloche

Reimer (Kahkonen backs up)

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) March 22, 2022

Calgary Flames (38-16-8)

The Flames are currently sitting at the top of the Pacific Division, which will make them an exciting, but formidable opponent for the Sharks.

Confident Flames low-key at NHL trade deadline

This is how the Flames’ lines may stack up against the Sharks, per the Daily Faceoff.

Gaudreau – Lindholm – Toffoli
Dube – Backlund – Tkachuk
Coleman – Jarnkrok – Mangiapane
Lucic – Monahan – Lewis

Hanifin – Andersson
Kylington – Tanev
Zadorov – Gudbranson

Markstrom, Vladar

Jacob Markstrom starting tonight vs. San Jose. Starter’s net empty at optional morning skate, Dan Vladar working late with scratches.

Looks like same lineup as Saturday. Ryan Carpenter hasn’t arrived. Brett Ritchie and Michael Stone skating late, so they’ll sit out. #Flames

— Pat Steinberg (@Fan960Steinberg) March 22, 2022

Where to watch

Puck drop between the Calgary Flames and San Jose Sharks is at 7:00 PM PT/9:00 PM ET at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Watch it live on ESPN+, SportsNet 1, and NBC Sports California. Listen to it on the Sharks Audio Network.