Negotiations between Timo Meier and the San Jose Sharks have not yet started, so a trade seems likely.

At least that’s what Meier’s agent Claude Lemieux revealed in a short text message to The Mercury News on Saturday.

“We haven’t talked about a contract extension and we see the possibility of a trade for Timo very realistically,” wrote the former Montreal Canadiens player.

Meier is in a special situation. He’s spending the final year of a four-year, $24 million pact, but isn’t eligible for full autonomy until 2024. The qualifying offer amount is set at … $10 million, according to the CapFriendly website.

However, Meier has just completed the two best offensive years of his career. He scored 35 goals and 76 points in 77 games in 2021-2022. Then that season he accumulated 27 goals and 47 points in 48 games. The 26-year-old Swiss will therefore want to monetize his recent successes.

But the priority is rebuilding for the Sharks, who are a long way from a playoff spot this season. Newly appointed general manager Mike Grier had also hinted that the stakeholder group within the organization was weak and that defender Erik Karlsson – 15 goals and 62 points in 48 games – could be traded.

Easy decision?

Keeping Meier therefore seems hopeless. Grier could thus give his forward and his agent the right to speak to other teams to find common ground for a long-term contract extension to maximize returns on a potential trade.

“Of course I know that if there is a swap, the teams want to talk about overtime. So I think it makes sense, ”said Meier on Saturday. However, like any self-respecting hockey player, he keeps his eyes on the Sharks’ next game and refuses to be distracted by speculation.

“You hear the rumours, but it’s nothing too crazy for me. Just try to focus on the games and not get too distracted by those things. That’s the only thing that worries me. Whenever the trading deadline approaches, there will be such bets. You have to be able to handle this situation, you have to stay professional and do your best.

Meier will therefore focus on his Sharks’ game against the Red Wings on Tuesday in Detroit.