- Editor's note: Sheng Peng will be a regular contributor to NBC Sports California's Sharks coverage for the 2021-22 season. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
The status of impending UFA Tomas Hertl – will he stay with the San Jose Sharks or choose greener pastures? – is a league-wide domino as the Trade Deadline fast approaches. Maybe the domino. Where Hertl goes will set the market.
Not surprising, it should also set the market in San Jose.
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Hertl’s linemate Alexander Barabanov is also a pending UFA. In his first full NHL season, the 27-year-old KHL veteran has been a revelation, notching eight goals and 19 assists in 48 games.
So are the San Jose Sharks hoping for a Hertl-Barabanov partnership in the years to come?
A source tells San Jose Hockey Now that re-signing Hertl is the organization’s priority right now. They’re not negotiating concurrently with Barabanov.
Let’s say Hertl comes back. Is Barabanov next?
San Jose Sharks
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I’m told that Barabanov’s camp is optimistic that the Sharks will make an offer.