SAN JOSE — Timo Meier was the first player in his group to take the ice on the opening day of Sharks training camp. Kevin Labanc, in the same cadre of players, joined him shortly after.
Both Meier and Labanc then took spots alongside center Logan Couture in what has the makings to be the Sharks’ top line for the start of the regular season.
That, in and of itself, was noteworthy. While so many players who were in their position earlier this summer as restricted free agents remain unsigned, Meier and Labanc — who will undoubtedly be key contributors for the Sharks this season — inked deals early in the process.