The San Jose Sharks have been at the bottom of the Pacific Division for a few seasons now as they continue their mediocre play. The Sharks currently sit seventh in their Division with a 14-25-9 record and 37 points, just six points ahead of the last-place Anaheim Ducks. The Sharks have some decisions to make with their latest failures and players not wanting to stick around for a rebuild.
Their biggest decision this season is what to do with 26-year-old pending restricted free agent Timo Meier. The talented forward is coming off a career year that saw him score 35 goals and tally 41 assists and 76 points. He is on pace to set a new career high in goals this season, proving last year wasn’t a fluke season. The future is bright for the young forward, but it seems his time in San Jose may be coming to an end.
The Sharks must decide what they want to do, as Meier will be an RFA and has a $10 million qualifying offer if a long-term deal can not be worked out. The Sharks, without a doubt, will be sellers as the March 3rd trade deadline approaches, and Meier’s name has been attracting several teams. While a handful of contenders have been linked to Meier, such as Toronto and Carolina but it’s one other team that everyone needs to keep an eye on.
According to TSN insider Pierre LeBrun, Buffalo is one of the teams that has reached out to San Jose about acquiring Meier.
The addition of Meier to the Sabres’ makes a lot of sense, especially considering all the young talent they have on their roster. This move wouldn’t be about this season, though, as it would have to do more with Buffalo’s bright future. While Buffalo may not be considered a contender this season, they are in the playoff race as they fight for a wild card spot.
Buffalo certainly has the prospects and picks to get a deal done; it will just come down to the price San Jose sets. If the price is right, Buffalo should be considered one of the front runners as they are knocking on the door of becoming a perennial playoff team, and Meier helps accelerate that.
