Pavelski's agent not optimistic he'll re-sign with Sharks

Joe Pavelski's representative doesn't seem too encouraged about his client's future with the San Jose Sharks.

Dan Plante told The Mercury News' Curtis Pashelka on Friday night that the two sides don't seem particularly close in contract negotiations.

"Would you like to see it be closer? Yeah, but it just isn't right now," the agent said. "And so, you get that overwhelming feeling that it's just not going to happen anymore. Doesn't mean it's not. (Sharks general manager) Doug (Wilson) does some pretty magical things with his cap and all that. But from just a normal person looking at it, that's the feeling you get, right?"

However, Plante cautioned that a lot can happen between now and the free-agency period.

"We'll see," he said. "There's still time. Never say never, that's for sure."

Pavelski, a pending unrestricted free agent, has spent his entire 13-year career with the Sharks, including the last four as captain.

The forward, who'll turn 35 on July 11, reportedly met with both the Dallas Stars and the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday. Minnesota Wild GM Paul Fenton has also reportedly been in contact with Plante.

San Jose has nearly $15 million in cap space but has 10 pending free agents, including UFAs Pavelski, Joe Thornton, and Gustav Nyquist, as well as restricted free agents Timo Meier and Kevin Labanc, according to CapFriendly.

Former longtime Sharks forward Patrick Marleau said Friday that he'd be interested in a San Jose reunion but acknowledged the club has other priorities to address before bringing him back.

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