On March 5, 2003, Toronto traded McCauley, Brad Boyes, and Toronto's first round choice in 2003 to the San Jose Sharks, with power forward Owen Nolan going to Toronto in exchange. The change of scenery seemed to benefit McCauley. In his first full season with the Sharks in 2003–04, he established career highs in goals (20) and points (47). McCauley was known for his two-way play and his penalty-killing abilities, which earned him a Selke Trophy nomination in 2003–04 as the league's best defensive forward.