The gears of the rumour mill are well and truly turning, which has prompted more and more rumours. One of the top players being floated is San Jose Sharks Timo Meier.
The San Jose Sharks have had a difficult season. However, certain players such as Meier and Erik Karlsson are having great personal seasons. With a deep draft looming, trading some of their top assets for picks is looking like the best move.
San Jose Sharks Exploring Timo Meier Trade Options
Per Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff, Meier’s performance has generated interest throughout the league and fans can expect him to be on the move.
Consistent with every year before, the top trade targets this deadline are pending unrestricted free agents. However, Meier will be a restricted free agent, which means a team will not be considering the forward as just a rental.
Where Could Meier Land and at What Cost?
One of the biggest fish on the market is San Jose Sharks Timo Meier. The number one club that Seravalli proposed as a landing spot for the Swiss is the New York Rangers. The quality of the Blueshirts’ play in the offensive zone has decreased and if they want to push for a playoff spot in the tight Metropolitan, a trade is needed.
If they snag Meier it would be a huge coup. One of the best snipers in the league, he is able to drive a game’s offensive play and improves those around him. He is also strong in the body and can find space on the ice like a shark sniffing blood.
The Rangers have been linked to New York-born Patrick Kane, who is still one of the best wingers around. However, this club is hoping to return to the glory years for as long as possible, so the younger Meier seems like the wisest option.
The Block In The Road
One issue for the Rangers could be the return and this is complicated by Meier’s next contract. As a pending RFA Meier is technically under team control. However, with a $10 million qualifying offer looming, the 26-year-old may only be acquired if a new long-term deal was already proposed.
With this knowledge that New York may have to clear significant cap, San Jose could ask for an interesting package. The Sharks will inevitably ask for at least one first-round pick. However, prospects and NHL-established players are the compensation.
There is one player who falls between the two categories, that could interest San Jose. Alexis Lafrenière seems to be developing a decent two-way game, but hasn’t reached the dizzy heights he was predicted to, even being named a healthy scratch on occasion.
Lafrenière is also a pending RFA, but it is instead his entry-level contract which is expiring. Additionally, for a player of his age, a change of scenery could help his development. A successful audition in the Bay Area could lead strengthen contract talks and the Sharks’ forward core. If not, it would be easy to send his rights to another team for picks.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
