The Tampa Bay Lightning have already signed defensemen Max Crozier and Steven Santini, but after their defense gave up 216 goals in 2024-25 and were knocked out of playoffs early, the Lightning will be bolster their blueline. Part of their offseason plans are rumored include possibly stealing away a key component of the San Jose Sharks’ defense.
According to The Fourth Period, The Lightning are one of several teams being linked to San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro. Others include the Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, and the Edmonton Oilers.
Ferraro is entering into the final season of his contract with the Sharks, however the Sharks are in the process of rebuilding and bringing in younger talent out of the current prospect pool. And if Ferraro and the Sharks cannot come into agreement on a contract extension, the Sharks could be in the market to trade him and the Lightning are beginning to be talked about as one of four teams who could steal Ferraro away from the Sharks.
Ferraro is a 6’0”, 209lb left-handed shooter from Ontario, Canada. He is known for his strong defensive play and his stamina and ability to log a heavy amount of time on ice. He’s known for his shot-blocking skills and the way he disrupts opposing teams’ attacks.
He is known for being a physical player, and is willing to take hits and block shots to protect his team.
Beyond the ice, he is known for his leadership and the way he mentors other players within the Sharks organization, along with his interest in being involved with the community outside of the arena, which is something the Lightning do all the time in Tampa, FL.
On the ice in 2024-25, he played in 78 games, scoring five goals, recorded 12 assists, 17 points, and was -25 on the season.
Ferraro also logged ice team with Team Canada in the 2010-21 Hockey World Cup. He appeared in ten of those games, recording two assists and two points.
As the offseason continues and contract extension talks heat up, time will tell if Sharks’ 2017 second round draft pick will continue his career in teal or if he will open himself to playing elsewhere and whether that elsewhere will be Ottawa, New York, Edmonton, or Tampa, FL.