- Editor's Note: Sheng Peng will be a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. 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.
Sharks star forward Timo Meier is trying to keep his focus on the ice. But even he can’t ignore the explosion of trade rumors around him recently.
“It’s definitely challenging. But I try to, I’ve said this 100 times before, I just keep my head in the moment,” the pending restricted free agent said Tuesday morning.
“My family, friends, they probably read all of that stuff. I don’t really. It’s just gonna get in your head and then it’s tough to play. So I just try to keep my mind as clear as I can.”
Meier understands the rumors, though.
“You know, all those speculations, they’re fun for all the fans. I watch sports and there’s rumors. I think that’s exciting.”
My guess? Meier won’t be with the Sharks after the trade deadline March 3.
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Besides all the chatter from insiders, there hasn’t been much actual dialogue between Meier and Sharks general manager Mike Grier. Now granted, the GM often deals with the player’s representation, in this case agent Claude Lemieux.
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“No, not really,” Meier acknowledged about the amount of conversation that he’s had with Grier, who frequently travels with the team. “He hasn’t talked to me about any news.”