On the San Jose Sharks …
Craig Custance of ESPN: Looking at what Sharks GM Doug Wilson should focus on this offseason.
1. Sign Brent Burns to a long-term contract – Burns is eligible for a contract extension after July 1st. Dustin Byfuglien‘s five-year, $7.6 million per season deal should be the starting point for Burns. Tomas Hertl also needs a new contract and will get a nice raise.
2. Trade Patrick Marleau – Marleau’s early season trade request was limited and included the Kings, Ducks and Rangers. Marleau carries a $6.7 million cap hit and it’s probably time to move on. The Sharks would likely have to retain some salary.
3. Fill out their depth – they need to add depth to their bottom six and their third pairing was exposed at times. James Reimer might be looking for a starting job elsewhere, but would be a good fit as their backup if he wants to return.
On the Pittsburgh Penguins …
Craig Custance of ESPN: Looking at what Penguins GM Jim Rutherford should focus on this offseason.
1. Trade Marc-Andre Fleury – If there is going to be an expansion draft, the Penguins are not going to be able to keep both Fleury and Matt Murray. Fleury carries a $5.75 million cap hit for three more years, so it makes sense to move his contract and use the money elsewhere. He could be a fit for the Flames or Hurricanes. The Hurricanes have the draft picks and cap space to take on Fleury.
2. New deals for defensemen – Justin Schultz requires a $3.9 million qualifying offer, but the Penguins could sign him to a mulit-year deal at a lower cap hit. The 32-year old Ben Lovejoy deserves to come back, but they can’t give him too much term.
3. Extend Matt Murray’s contract – Murray has a year left at $620,000 and Rutherford should look to extend him like Ducks GM Bob Murray did with John Gibson.
