SOURCE: Zetterlund, Sharks have begun contract extension talks

Fabian Zetterlund wants to stay… and it sounds like the San Jose Sharks want him back.

San Jose Hockey Now has learned that the Sharks and soon-to-be RFA Zetterlund have begun discussions about an extension.

The discussion was described to SJHN as “casual,” which does not mean an extension is imminent.

In October, the Swedish winger, who just led the San Jose Sharks with 24 goals, told the Mercury News, “I want to stay here for a long time.”

The 25-year-old Zetterlund has 11 goals and 12 assists in 34 games this season after his breakthrough last year. What’s impressive is that he’s surpassing last year’s 24 goals and 20 assists in significantly less playing time and playing more of a middle and secondary power play role on a stronger Sharks squad. As of December 18, Zetterlund was on pace for a career best with 27-28-55.

Last season, starting in November, Zetterlund averaged 19:25 per game, was second among San Jose Sharks forwards and was a regular on the top PP unit. This season, the power winger is playing 17:23 per night, fifth among the team’s forwards.

Unsurprisingly, Fabian Zetterlund has recently been seriously considered to be part of Sweden’s 4 Nations Face-Off squad.

Zetterlund has also fit well into the young Sharks’ locker room since arriving from the New Jersey Devils in the trade for Timo Meier in February 2023.

He has become best friends with the Sharks’ young star William Eklund and has also embraced the mentorship of assistant captain Mikael Granlund. Both Warsofsky and former head coach David Quinn praised Zetterlund’s work ethic and desire to improve.

Zetterlund was on a two-year, $2.9 million ($1.45 million AAV) deal last season, which has proven to be one of the better contracts in hockey.