Report: Sharks, Couture progressing toward long-term extension

The San Jose Sharks aren't playing around this offseason, as reports indicate the club is progressing on a long-term extension with center Logan Couture, sources told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.

San Jose already locked down winger Evander Kane with a seven-year contract earlier in the spring. A number of Sharks players are set to hit free agency at the end of the upcoming season (most notably Couture and Joe Pavelski), so general manager Doug Wilson might want to get a head start on solidifying his core.

In addition to being a versatile defender committed to playing a complete two-way style, Couture is also a proven offensive contributor, registering 34 goals and 27 assists over 78 games in the 2017-18 season.

Couture is under contract for one more season at a cap hit of $6 million, and will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2019.