Former San Jose Sharks forward Mikael Granlund was well-loved in the Bay Area, but the forward isn't thinking about where he might play next season just yet.
Former San Jose Sharks forward Mikael Granlund was well-loved in the Bay Area, but the forward isn't thinking about where he might play next season just yet.
Granlund is coming off some of his most productive offensive seasons during his 121 games with San Jose. San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier didn't close the door on re-signing Granlund during the upcoming offseason.
"I have an idea of what all the UFAs are looking for or what they think their value is. I don't think there's any harm [in conversations]. I don't know if there's any real advantage or point of really locking into negotiations or anything if we're going to keep an open mind of not really knowing what will happen and exploring.
"All [of] those players and their agents know how I feel about the players, and the players know I feel about them. It's just that time of year where I've got to take the short and the long-term view of things," Grier said.
Regarding Granlund's mindset about possibly returning to the organization that restarted his career, the forward wants to play some hockey first.
"I haven't even thought about it," Granlund said. "Let's play some hockey here. Let's see when the time is right."
The Stars are in the middle of a playoff race and are second in the NHL's Central Division. However, they are without two top players, Tyler Seguin and Miro Heiskanen, whom they hope to acquire before the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin.
While Granlund isn't ruling out a return, it is clear his focus remains on this season. If he finishes the year strong and performs in the playoffs, he will have the chance to sign for more and be in a position to sign with a team in Stanley Cup contention.
"I've been traded twice now mid-season. Those times, I wasn't really having a good season at all before I got traded. This is a little bit of a different situation. I feel like I'm playing way better than back then," Granlund said. "The biggest thing is my game is in a way different level that it has been in the last two times I've been traded in mid-season."
Granlund will skate on the second line with Matt Duchene, who played with Granlund during his time with the Nashville Predators, and Mason Marchment.
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