Report: Sharks, Pavelski not close on contract extension

The San Jose Sharks and captain Joe Pavelski are reportedly not close on a contract extension, according to The Athletic's Kevin Kurz.

Pavelski becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1 and can begin talking with other teams on Sunday. The 2018-19 campaign was the final season of the five-year, $30-million ($6 million AAV) contract he signed with the Sharks in 2013.

The soon-to-be 35-year-old has played his entire 13-year career in San Jose and scored 38 goals in 75 games last season.

San Jose could have trouble matching lucrative offers from other teams if Pavelski hits the open market. The Sharks have roughly $14.8 million in available cap space, according to Cap Friendly, and need to sign restricted free agents Timo Meier and Kevin Labanc, as well as sort out the future of UFA Joe Thornton.

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