Dec 17, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Mikael Granlund (64) skates with the puck during the first period against the Winnipeg Jets at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images

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Sharks Poised to Open Extension Talks with Mikael Granlund in January

San Jose Sharks plan to negotiate a contract extension with forward Mikael Granlund, focusing on long-term team stability and performance.

When Mikael Granlund signed a two-year, $10MM contract with San Jose in 2023, the expectation was that he would aim to leverage the chance to take on a significant role and secure a more profitable deal later on. Considering how things have unfolded for him up to this point, he might have made a wise decision.

We might soon discover the kind of larger contract Mikael could receive. David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period recently shared that San Jose and Granlund’s representatives are anticipated to start negotiations regarding a potential contract extension next month. In the previous season, the 32-year-old was the Sharks’ points leader, scoring 12 goals and registering 48 assists, even though he participated in only 69 out of 82 games.

Sharks Expected To Begin Extension Talks With Mikael Granlund In Januaryhttps://t.co/7vlYQpldWP
— Pro Hockey Rumors (@prohockeyrumors) December 25, 2024

Granlund led the forwards in ice time, averaging a career-high 20:58 each game, which undoubtedly aided in the increase in production. However, with San Jose bringing in Macklin Celebrini and William Smith to their roster of centers for this season, many presumed Granlund would take on a reduced role.

However, that has not been the situation. Granlund’s ice time has marginally increased this season, and he is already one goal away from matching his total from last season while also contributing 22 assists. Consequently, he has once again taken the lead in scoring for the team with 33 points, six points clear of William Eklund. There’s potential for Granlund to continue having a significant role after this season.

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There are two additional aspects to take into account. Initially, Sharks GM Mike Grier must evaluate the importance of re-signing him versus the possible trade value he could hold by the March 7th trade deadline. Although San Jose has no salary retention slots left, Granlund stands out as one of the best centers on the market and is likely to yield a solid return for them.

Another aspect is Granlund’s position. With the Sharks, he is a top center. That won’t be true for numerous other teams that would see him as a second or perhaps even a third choice. Consequently, their bids in free agency will probably mirror that. Keeping that in consideration, it follows logically that the most lucrative offer he will get is from the Sharks. Will he stick with a rebuilding team, or will he think about accepting a lower offer to join a more successful team?

As discussions are anticipated to commence in a few weeks, Granlund has plenty of time to consider that question. However, since the Sharks are aware he’s among their leading trade assets if an agreement isn’t achieved, they will likely seek a response sooner rather than later.

Image Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!