Timo Meier's potential contract extension looms large for his future with the Sharks.
The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported Saturday, citing sources, that the New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes' interest in Meier prior to the NHL's March 3 trade deadline is dependent on whether the 26-year-old signs a contract extension.
LeBrun adds that an extension is expected to happen closer to trade offers becoming more concrete.
San Jose Hockey Now's Sheng Peng reported on Jan. 14 that an extension for Meier likely will start at $9 million and as a restricted free agent, he has a $10 million qualifying offer for the 2023-24 NHL season.
As one of the Sharks' main offensive weapons, any team would be glad to add a player of Meier's caliber.
However, the price for a player of that ilk reportedly is high, with some NHL executives believing that a Meier trade would be similar to the deal that sent Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders.
San Jose Sharks
The Horvat deal netted the Vancouver Canucks Anthony Beauvillier, prospect Aatu Raty, and a top-12 protected 2023 first-round pick, which becomes an unprotected first-round pick in 2024 if the pick falls within the top-12.
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Sharks general manager Mike Grier said that if no trade for Meier or All-Star defenseman Erik Karlsson materializes, San Jose is more than willing to keep both players moving forward.
Regardless, San Jose has a lot to think about regarding its two stars in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline.