Mike Grier, the general manager of the San Jose Sharks, faced a challenging decision in trading goalie Mackenzie Blackwood and winger Givani Smith to the Colorado Avalanche. In exchange, the Sharks received young winger Nikolai Kovalenko, goalie Alexandar Georgiev, and multiple draft picks.

Grier expressed his fondness for Blackwood, highlighting their history together from their time with the New Jersey Devils. He acknowledged the trade's difficulty but emphasized the potential benefits for the Sharks' future.