Salary Cap Projections Update For Next Season Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk1MzkxMDkyMTUyMDg0MTU1/usatsi_19672969.jpg] The future of Erik Karlsson with the San Jose Sharks has become a frequent topic of conjecture among NHL pundits in recent weeks. However, teammate Timo Meier is garnering his share of attention in the rumor mill. Meier becomes a restricted free agent on July 1 with arbitration rights. The 26-year-old winger will also be a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. The average annual value of his current contract is $6 million, but Cap Friendly [https://www.capfriendly.com/players/timo-meier] indicates he's earning $10 million in actual salary. That's what it'll cost the Sharks to qualify his rights unless the two sides reach an agreement on a new contract before July 1. Having reached 76 points in 2021-22, Meier is on a similar pace this season with 47 points. He's due for a significant pay raise. Meier's RFA status means the Sharks don't have to trade Meier by the March 3 deadline. If they don't get suitable offers by then, they try again in the off-season if the two sides fail to hammer out a new contract. Sharks GM Mike Grier could be willing to entertain offers for Meier. On Saturday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/32-thoughts-rick-tocchet-expected-to-be-named-canucks-head-coach-on-monday/] thinks the Sharks will allow interested clubs to speak with Meier's agent about a contract extension. One of those suitors could be the New York Rangers. According to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli [https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/daily-faceoff-live-meier-rangers], Meier has risen to the top of their trade target list. The Winnipeg Sun's Scott Billeck [https://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/sharks-timo-meier-could-be-dream-get-for-jets-gm-cheveldayoff] felt Meier could be a dream acquisition for the Jets. He considers the winger a perfect replacement for the aging Blake Wheeler, who has a year remaining on his contract. Billeck acknowledged the Sharks' asking price and Meier's qualifying offer are significant hurdles for the Jets. That will also apply to other suitors.
