NHL Rumors: Sharks and Timo Meier, and the Washington Capitals need for a defenseman

Sharks could get similar package for Timo Meier like Canucks did for Bo Horvat

San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng: An NHL executive on what the San Jose Sharks should get for Timo Meier.

“Probably a deal very similar to Bo Horvat’s trade.”

The Sharks should therefore expect a first-round pick (likely protected), a B-grade prospect and a solid, young NHL player who may not have a good contract. Another source said the Sharks are looking for a first-round pick and a Grade A prospect, or two Grade B prospects, or a good prospect and an established young player.

There aren’t many teams that would have the option of signing him for eight years, $9 million per extension. Sharks general manager Mike Grier will let the teams talk to Meier’s camp.

The Sharks could decide to keep him, qualify him at $10 million and revisit a trade at the next deadline when he’s a UFA pending and a hire. Meier’s agent, Claude Lemieux, hasn’t closed the door on an extension with the Sharks either.

Capitals could look for help on the blue line

Washington Hockey Now’s Sammi Silber: The Washington Capitals are in the thick of the wild card race and just saw their division rivals, the New York Islanders, make a splash by acquiring Bo Horvat.

The Capitals have been inconsistent over the past month and are dealing with injuries to Tom Wilson, John Carlson, Nic Dowd, Connor Brown and Carl Hagelin.

The Capitals don’t have much room to make a big offensive addition unless they remove someone like Anthony Mantha ($5.75 million) or Lars Eller ($3.5 million) .

Adding a stop defender may be their greatest need. John Carlsson is also their only contracted defender for next season.

The Capitals have reportedly brought in Eller and could use him for defensive assist. Don’t expect them to move soon.

“I think we have to play a bit here,” GMBM said on Caps This Morning, adding, “We’re an LTI team now; we have to be prepared to bring the guys back if we choose to. We’ll make decisions at last possible moment.