One player the Sharks have had interest in is New York Rangers blueliner Braden Schneider, who can become a restricted free agent this summer and has arbitration rights. The 24-year-old has had an off year, thus far, but that argument can apply to a good chunk of the Rangers roster.<\/p>\n
With two weeks before the Olympic freeze, trade discussions should pick up, but San Jose may wait until the deadline itself before making another move, having acquired Kiefer Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks on Monday.<\/p>\n
Sherwood and the Sharks have had loose conversations about what a contract extension may look like, and while nothing is imminent, those talks are likely to continue after the season. Sherwood is looking for between $5 million and $6 million per year on his next contract, which may be in the four-to-five-year range.<\/p>\n
MAMMOTH MOVES COMING?<\/p>\n
Irfaan Gaffar and I had a great chat earlier today with Utah Mammoth GM Bill Armstrong, hitting a wide array of topics, including the future of centre Nick Schmaltz and the team\u2019s willingness to take big swings. It\u2019s definitely worth watching<\/a>. <\/p>\n Schmaltz is also playing on an expiring contract, and Armstrong told us contract talks are being tabled for after the season.<\/p>\n As I reported earlier in the season, the Mammoth explored the trade market on Schmaltz last off-season and opted against moving him. He\u2019s having a very good campaign and will be highly coveted if he hits free agency this summer \u2013 teams like Los Angeles and Toronto will be calling.<\/p>\n With Utah in the first wildcard seed in the West, all eyes are focused on the playoffs. I don\u2019t see the Mammoth moving Schmaltz ahead of the deadline, even without an extension, but Armstrong & Co. will try to add to the roster.<\/p>\n One thing Armstrong refuses to do is give away too much of his future. Draft picks are more in play than prospects and could be weaponized in a large move for top-tier talent at either end of the ice, so long as the player is in his mid-20s and under team control. <\/p>\n Before Aaron Ekblad re-upped with the Florida Panthers last June, he was on Utah\u2019s radar. Adding a top-level defenceman could be in the cards for the Mammoth moving forward, as well.<\/p>\n HERE AND THERE<\/p>\n