Pending restricted free agent Fabian Zetterlund is having another solid season for the San Jose Sharks.
The 25-year-old has 16 goals, 19 assists, and is a surprising +9. His current cap hit is $1.45 million, and he deserves a pay raise.
Despite playing in a slightly lower role this season, the former New Jersey Devils 3rd-round pick is starting to find his game. Although he only has two points in his last five games, the Swede is beginning to get high-danger chances again.
Zetterlund also scored the shootout-deciding goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday.
Elliotte Friedman is interested in how extension talks progress on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast.
“I am curious to see, Zetterlund. He’s an RFA with arbitration rights,” Friedman said. “I wonder what his next contract is going to look like. He’s a guy who cares a lot, and I am a big fan of his bowling ball game. I am curious to see where they go there.”
Zetterlund scored a career-high 24 goals during the 2023-24 season. He must score eight goals in the remaining 19 San Jose Sharks games to match that total.
With Tyler Toffoli in the mix, Zetterlund has been forced to move to the second line and power play unit.
“They added Toffoli. I just wonder if that is what [the Sharks] continue to do, bring in more veterans.”
Zetterlund has improved his overall play this season, as evidenced by his +9 on a team with a -68 goal differential and last place in the NHL.
GM Mike Grier will need to decide where he thinks Fabian Zetterlund will fit into the Sharks’ future lineup. With top wing prospects Quentin Musty, Kasper Halttunen, and Igor Chernyshov eventually making the NHL, Zetterlund’s spot is unclear.
The upside is there, but is it higher than the other prospects that haven’t arrived yet?