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Erik Karlsson’s future with the San Jose Sharks has turn out to be a frequent subject of hypothesis amongst NHL pundits in current weeks. Nevertheless, teammate Timo Meier is garnering his share of consideration within the rumor mill.
Meier turns into a restricted free agent on July 1 with arbitration rights. The 26-year-old winger will even be one yr away from unrestricted free agent eligibility.
The typical annual worth of his present contract is $6 million, however Cap Pleasant signifies he earns $10 million in precise wage. This is what it’s going to value the Sharks to qualify his rights until the 2 sides attain an settlement on a brand new contract earlier than July 1.
After reaching 76 factors in 2021-22, Meier is on an analogous tempo this season with 47 factors. He’s due for a significant elevate.
Meier’s RFA standing means the Sharks shouldn’t have to commerce Meier earlier than the March 3 deadline. If they do not obtain appropriate presents earlier than then, they struggle once more within the offseason if the 2 sides fail to hammer out a brand new contract.
Sharks GM Mike Grier may very well be prepared to entertain presents for Meier. On Saturday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes the Sharks will enable golf equipment to speak to Meier’s agent a couple of contract extension.
A type of suitors may very well be the New York Rangers. In response to Frank Seravalli of Each day Faceoff, Meier has risen to the highest of their commerce goal checklist.
The Winnipeg Solar‘s Scott Billeck felt that Meier may very well be a rebound for the Jets. He considers the winger an ideal alternative for the getting old Blake Wheeler, who has a yr left on his contract.
Billeck acknowledged the Sharks’ asking value and Meier’s qualifying supply are vital hurdles for the Jets. This will even apply to different suitors.