Teams Scoffing at Sharks’ Asking Price for Middleton (+)

“That’s typical of San Jose to be outrageous with their negotiating tactics.”

That was a rival executive’s reaction to Pierre LeBrun’s report that the San Jose Sharks were seeking a second-round pick and another pick or prospect for Jake Middleton.

LeBrun notes that this price tag is based off the recent Josh Manson trade. The Anaheim Ducks got a second-round pick and quality prospect Drew Helleson for the 30-year-old impending UFA.

A scout from a different NHL team than the exec’s echoed to San Jose Hockey Now: “Helleson is a solid prospect.”

LeBrun added Toronto, along with Boston, St. Louis, and Tampa, as among the teams interested in Middleton.

“The Sharks don’t have to move him — he’s an RFA after the season,” LeBrun wrote. “But if some team pays that price (influenced by the Manson trade), I suspect they will move him.”

So what does the rival exec think Middleton is worth?