Sharks Should Target RFA Forward Marat Khusnutdinov This Offseason

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The San Jose Sharks will be looking to improve their team and get back into the playoffs sooner rather than later after a rough 2024-25 campaign. While they probably won't be pushing for a playoff spot next season, they can continue to find future stars to add to their roster that will help them down the line. 

One player they should look at bringing in is pending restricted free agent (RFA) Marat Khusnutdinov, who is up for a new contract for the upcoming season. He was traded from the Minnesota Wild to the Boston Bruins midseason, and while he seems to have found a solid fit in Boston, the Sharks should try and bring him in.

Khusnutdinov, who is 22 years old, scored five goals and added seven assists for 12 points through 75 games this season. Throughout his career, he scored six goals and added 10 assists for 16 points through 91 games, which comes out to a 0.18 points-per-game average.

His defensive game is quite strong, but his finishing ability hasn't quite been elite at the NHL level. In an increased role with the Sharks, he could build confidence and find a way to break out offensively. 

Realistically, Khusnutdinov is looking at a 2-3 year contract extension worth around $1 million annually, which is very affordable. If he and the Bruins can't agree on a new deal, maybe the Sharks could offer to make a trade with them instead of sending an offer sheet, and the asking price may not be too much. If the Bruins are willing to move him for a mid-round pick, the Sharks should be all over him this summer.

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