THN.com/podcast. From THN On The 'Dub': Lightning WHL Prospects and Bedard Watch Returns Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk1OTQ3NzMxNDU2MzY5Njkw/usatsi_20013149.jpg] Timo Meier surged to the top of every pundit's trade candidates' list [https://thehockeynews.com/news/timo-meier-becomes-the-top-nhl-trade-candidate] after the New York Islanders acquired Bo Horvat from the Vancouver Canucks. With the March 3 trade deadline only two weeks away, suitors are emerging for the 26-year-old San Jose Sharks winger. On Feb. 14, TSN's Pierre LeBrun [https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/insider-trading-ryan-reynolds-teams-up-with-remington-group-toronto-maple-leafs-in-on-timo-meier-1.1919435] reported the New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes had held discussions with the Sharks. He indicated the Devils hoped to sign Meier to a contract extension as part of a trade. The Sharks haven't yet granted permission to Meier's agent to speak with other clubs about a new contract. The Hurricanes, however, aren't as concerned about an extension. Meanwhile, ESPN's Kevin Weekes [https://twitter.com/KevinWeekes/status/1625539545159573504] tweeted that the Vegas Golden Knights and Toronto Maple Leafs were among those in contact with the Sharks. Sportsnet's Luke Fox [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/maple-leafs-notes-significant-interest-in-meier-trade-holl-scratched/] felt the Leafs were the biggest long shot to land Meier, given their salary-cap limitations beyond this season. Fox's colleague Elliotte Friedman [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/32-thoughts-the-latest-on-jakob-chychrun-and-the-nhl-trade-market/] believed the Boston Bruins and Dallas Stars may have reached out to the Sharks. Meanwhile, Nick Kypreos wrote in the Toronto Star [https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/opinion/2023/02/16/the-leafs-played-hardball-with-kyle-dubas-and-now-the-clock-is-ticking.html] that one NHL executive told him to keep an eye on the Winnipeg Jets. Interested clubs could pay a steep asking price for Meier. TSN's Chris Johnston [https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/whats-it-going-to-cost-to-pry-meier-from-the-sharks%7e2616178] recently reported the Sharks sought three pieces, including a first-round pick. Johnston thinks the return must be better than what the St. Louis Blues received from the New York Rangers in last week's Vladimir Tarasenko trade. Those pieces included a first and a second-round pick, a prospect defenseman and veteran winger Sammy Blais.
