Negotiations have still not begun between Timo Meier and the San Jose Sharks, so a trade seems to be on the horizon.
At least that’s what Meier’s agent, Claude Lemieux, revealed in a short text message sent to The Mercury News on Saturday.
“We have not discussed a contract extension and we are very realistic about the possibility of Timo being traded,” wrote the former Montreal Canadiens player.
Meier finds himself in a peculiar situation. He is spending the last year of a four-year, $24 million pact, but he will not be entitled to full autonomy until 2024. The amount for a qualifying offer is set at… $10 million, according to the CapFriendly website.
However, Meier has just had the best two offensive years of his career. He totaled 35 goals and 76 points in 77 games in 2021-2022. Then, he amassed 27 goals and 47 points in 48 games this season. The 26-year-old Swiss will therefore want to monetize his recent successes.
But the priority is rebuilding for the Sharks, who are a long way from a playoff spot this season. Newly appointed general manager Mike Grier had also hinted that the prospect group was weak within the organization, and that defenseman Erik Karlsson – 15 goals and 62 points in 48 games – could be traded.
Easy decision?
Keeping Meier therefore seems futile. Grier could thus allow his striker and his agent the right to talk with other teams to find common ground on a long-term contract extension to maximize the return in a possible trade.
“Obviously I know the teams – if there’s a trade – will want to talk about overtime. So, I think it makes sense,” Meier said on Saturday. However, like any self-respecting hockey player, he keeps his eyes on the Sharks’ next game, refusing to be distracted by speculation.
“You hear the rumours, but to me it’s nothing too crazy. Just try to focus on the matches and not get too distracted by that stuff. That’s the only thing that worries me. Whenever the trade deadline gets closer, there will be stakes like this. You have to be able to handle this situation, you have to stay professional and play your best.
Meier will therefore turn his attention to the game between his Sharks and the Red Wings on Tuesday in Detroit.
