On February 1, 2025, the San Jose Sharks traded forward Mikael Granlund and defenseman Cody Ceci to the Dallas Stars, marking significant roster changes for both teams. The deal was formalized just as the NHL season nears its trade deadline, with the Sharks offloading two of their more prominent players as part of their continual rebuilding effort.
The Sharks received the Stars' 2025 first-round pick and a conditional fourth-round selection, which becomes a third-rounder if Dallas advances to the Stanley Cup Final. This trade is part of the Sharks' strategy to gather future assets as they look to restructure their team for the coming seasons.
Granlund, who has been the Sharks' leading scorer, boasts impressive numbers this season, with 15 goals and 30 assists across just 52 games. His offensive versatility has made him invaluable for San Jose, acting as both a power-play asset and defensive contributor on the penalty kill. At 32, he brings significant experience, including international accolades from multiple World Championships.
Cody Ceci, 30, adds depth to the Stars' defensive lineup, especially following injuries to key players such as Miro Heiskanen, who is currently sidelined. Ceci, who has been primarily deployed on the blue line with the Sharks, will offer Dallas the required stability on defense and will make it easier for the Stars to transition as they manage their injury roster.
Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "We are excited to welcome both Mikael and Cody to Dallas. We see both players as addressing immediate needs for our team — Mikael is a proven scorer who will bolster our forward group at both even strength and on the power play, and Cody will add a stabilizing and physical presence to our blueline." Nill's remarks underline the urgency of fortifying the Stars’ roster as they aim to contend for the playoffs.
Granlund is particularly well-suited for the current state of the Stars, as they deal with injuries to several core players. Tyler Seguin is out long-term following hip surgery, and winger Mason Marchment also faces injury challenges. The addition of Granlund allows the Stars to strengthen their forward line and replace some of Seguin's offensive output. Meanwhile, Ceci fills the gap left by Heiskanen’s absence, providing reliable defensive play.
For the Sharks, trading two of their most valuable assets signifies their dedication to a long-term rebuild, rather than pushing for immediate success. With Granlund and Ceci now off the lineup, they potentially save on salary and add draft picks to use for future prospects, which allows them to focus on nurturing their younger talent back home.
The Sharks' management has actively looked for trade opportunities leading up to the March 7 trade deadline, with Granlund and Ceci seen as attractive rental players. Their movement to Dallas fits the pattern of rebuilding strategies seen commonly across the league as teams position themselves for the future.
Moving forward, both teams face different expectations. While Dallas hopes to recover quickly from its injury crisis and capitalize on the added depth Granlund and Ceci bring, San Jose remains committed to developing young prospects and securing their financial future within the league structure. The full impact of this trade will materialize as the Stanley Cup playoffs come closer, marking it as one of the key trades of the season.