4. Joe Pavelski – Dallas Stars
The San Jose Sharks would probably love to retain Joe Pavelski, but after extending Karlsson, they only have about $14.82 million in cap space to re-sign their captain, pending UFA Joe Thornton, and RFAs Kevin Labanc and Timo Meier.
One of them is going to have to go, and with Pavelski likely to command a deal worth around $7 to $9 million a season, it’s easy to believe that he’s played his final game with the Sharks. In fact, Pavelski already took meetings with the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning, per TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.
The Stars make perfect sense for Pavelski here, and they certainly have a lot to offer him. They fell just one game shy of reaching the Western Conference Final, despite ranking 29th in offense with a mere 29 goals. Secondary scoring is a need for general manager Jim Nill, and he has just under $11 million in cap space to address it.
Pavelski would be joining a budding contender, and maybe he could move onto a line with All-Stars Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. And of course, Pavelski wouldn’t have to pay state taxes in Dallas, so the organization can offer him the most money.
Add it all up, and the Stars are a prime fit for Pavelski. They’re an up-and-coming contender with lots of veteran star power, and they have the money to spend. If winning and cash are what matter most to Pavelski, then Dallas shall be his next stop. A four-year deal worth around $9 million annually should get the deal done.