While the entire world, not to mention Sharks Nation, wait with bated breath for the John Tavares decision to come to a head, the Sharks have locked up a key cog for a very long time.

Logan Couture agreed to an 8-year, $64 million contract extension with San Jose. The word leaked yesterday that a deal was imminent and today we got the official word. Couture is a building block for the Sharks moving forward. A San Jose first round pick in 2007, Couture made it very clear that his intention was always to wear teal and black for the entirety of his career.

Couture is somewhat of an unknown commodity outside of the Pacific Time Zone, but after having the pleasure of watching him over the last several seasons, it is clear to me that the 29-year-old is more than just good - he's a cornerstone player and a huge piece of the Sharks future success.

With 437 points (213g, 224a) in 582 career games, Couture ranks fifth all-time in points as a Shark - 14 points behind Owen Nolan. His production doesn't dip in the spring either with 34 goals and 47 assists in 96 career playoff games, including 30 during the 2016 Stanley Cup run.

For those saying $8 million AAV is too steep, I say you're not paying attention. Couture's numbers and his incredible leadership qualities speak for themselves and when you consider Drew Doughty signed for $11 Million AAV I think Logan is a steal.

It's been a heck of an off-season for GM Doug Wilson and the Sharks front office. They have put themselves in position to be good for many more years to come.

What about Joe Pavelski you ask? Expect him to get done too with a deal somewhere in the 3-5 year range. It's all coming together nicely....

What about John Tavares? The Sharks are still very much in the mix with some suggesting they are among the top two choices. The truth is nobody has a clue at this point what is going on. My gut still says he the lure of winning with the group in SJ is enough. It doesn't help that the Sharks have gone all in and appear to be the team that's offering up the most dough.

Additionally, the timing of the Evander Kane love letter to the Sharks organization was timed perfectly - don't you agree?

One more thing FWIW....

Look for Luke Schenn to land in California. (not Anaheim ) #lakings #sjsharks #NHL

— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) June 30, 2018

From what I've gathered, LA Kings are not in on Luke Schenn. https://t.co/6jI0qAFgv6

— The Mayor John Hoven (@mayorNHL) June 30, 2018

Thanks for reading,
Steve

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