Timo Meier
What would be better than stealing one of your divisional rivals’ top young talents? For the Arizona Coyotes the answer could be nothing.
San Jose Sharks’ Timo Meier is set to become an RFA this off-season and the team have some serious questions to address.
Along with Meier, the Sharks have Joe Pavelski, Joe Thornton and Erik Karlsson to negotiate new deals with.
Karlsson will be expected to land a deal in the $10 million range, leaving just $11 million to be split between Meier, Pavelski and Thornton – with the Sharks having a total of $21 million available.
Offering Meier a deal in the $8 million range could force the Sharks to give up on their top young talent, or potentially see some club legends in Pavelski and Thornton walk.
Goalscoring is the Coyotes’ biggest issue and Meier could certainly become one of the team’s top players in this regard, already looking good for 20+ goals per season.
He might not be the biggest name to target, but adding a solid player of Meier’s quality on the top line could do much to improve the team’s success each season.
With Keller and Hayton developing nicely, the Coyotes should certainly aim to roll with a young team in the future and look at harming a divisional rival in the process.