Another NHL star is available for trade; Who's the best fit?

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Dorin Canaday
December 11, 2022 (1:53 PM)

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Frank Seravalli of has shared some intriguing updates regarding one of the NHL best players.

It involves a star on the 28th place San Jose Sharks, and it's defenseman Erik Karlsson, but forward Timo Meier. At number six on his ''Trade Targets'' for the 2022-23 season, Meier has 14 goals and 13 assists in 30 games this season.

''For all of the buzz Erik Karlsson has generated, Meier is the way more likely Shark to be on the move. San Jose signed Tomas Hertl in a similar spot last season, but after yet another tough start, it's pretty clear the direction new GM Mike Grier wants to take this team. That means it's unlikely the Sharks sink more money into a new deal with Meier.''

Meier is a pending restricted free agent who currently carries a $6 million AAV; however, the 26-year-old is due a $10 million Qualifying Offer next season. The Swiss native had a career-high 35 goals and 41 assists last season.

Seravalli also shared that his starting value on the market is considerably less than the Alex DeBrincat deal last summer. The Chicago Blackhawks received Ottawa's first and second-round picks in the 2022 draft (Nos. 7 and 39) and a third-round pick in the 2024 draft.

According to Corey Masisak of The Athletic, the Bruins are a team that could easily acquire Meier. However, it comes with one catch:

''Boston � The Bruins could make a Meier trade happen pretty easily and have long-term flexibility but assuming David Pastrnak returns, they'll already have more than $20 million tied up in him, Brad Marchand and Taylor Hall for two more years.''

With 137 goals and 154 assists in 424 NHL games, the former 9th overall draft pick will be heavily pursued around the league.

Masisak continued:

''Meier, 26, is a pending restricted free agent who has the potential to be unrestricted after next season. He's in the final season of a four-year, $24 million contract, but it has a twist � his salary for 2022-23 is $10 million. That means for the Sharks must either sign him to a new contract before June 25 or tender him a qualifying offer for next season at $10 million.''