Under Doug Wilson, the Sharks organization has always guarded its inside information with the secrecy of a rogue government hiding a nuclear weapons program. But it's still downright bizarre that a key component of a contract signed four years ago wasn't made public knowledge until three months prior to the deal's expiry.

In a blog post today, ESPN's Pierre LeBrun revealed that Ryane Clowe's 4-year, $14.5 million RFA contract signed in the 2009 offseason was equipped with a full no-trade clause that's awfully relevant right about now with the Sharks reportedly shopping the bruising forward prior to the April 3rd trade deadline. LeBrun doesn't think this should necessarily prove to be an impediment to getting a trade done:

Which means if, for whatever reason, Clowe doesn’t believe a certain team is a good fit, he can nix it. Although, in the same vein, Sharks GM Doug Wilson did well by Douglas Murray in the move to Pittsburgh, and the sense is that Wilson and Clowe have a good line of communication on what’s transpiring.



A solid playoff performance on a top contender would augment Clowe’s UFA market value this summer, so he’s not against a trade if it makes sense for him.

LeBrun goes on to mention the Bruins, Canadiens, Rangers and Canucks (yes, those Canucks) as potential suitors for Clowe with the asking price currently being a first round pick and another young asset. Clowe will return to the lineup tonight, primed for showcasing, when the Sharks host the Anaheim Ducks.