Future decisions for the Sharks
Paul Gackle of The Mercury News: (mailbag) If the San Jose Sharks were to sign Erik Karlsson to an eight-year contract it would likely cost them between $11 and $13 million per season. That would handcuff them a bit for a number of years with regards to the salary cap.
Their play of late has shown that they can be successful without him.
Also needing new contracts are Joe Pavelski, Joe Thornton and Timo Meier.
If GM Doug Wilson decides to not re-sign Karlsson, he can use that extra space for his own free agents (Gustav Nyquist) as well as other UFAs.
Wilson could also look at making a trade with a team that may have salary cap issues themselves like the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Offer sheet threat … Devils and Hall … Rangers and Panarin … Sabres and Skinner
Craig Custance of The Athletic: With the potential threats of offer sheets, teams may become more proactive in getting their restricted free agents locked up sooner.
The Detroit Red Wings could consider an offer sheet this offseason. The Tampa Bay Lightning are saying they aren’t concerned about a Brayden Point offer sheet.
New Jersey Devils GM Ray Shero says people always forget that the player also has to want to sign the offer sheet.
Shero hasn’t spoken with Taylor Hall‘s agent Darren Ferris about a potential contract extension, but that shouldn’t be much of a surprise as he usually waits until after the season.
Shero on if there was any thought to trading Hall at the deadline.
“Less than fucking zero,” Shero said. “Zero percent. Someone (in the media) asked me that two weeks before the deadline. Zero chance. Zero. Just to make it clear.”
The New York Rangers will have cap space this offseason and could be interested in signing Artemi Panarin. The Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders and Florida Panthers are also expected to be interested.
Rangers Chris Kreider is eligible for a contract extension this offseason.
Contract negotiations between the Buffalo Sabres and Jeff Skinner‘s camp remain “pretty positive on both sides” according to GM Jason Botterill.