There's no sure answer to say that the Sharks will be just fine if they keep this core together, but it's harder to see this team as a Cup contender in the next year or two if they move out players like Thornton or Marleau. Value always depends on what the return is, but those won't be easy holes to fill if that is the direction in which the Sharks are headed.

Until that decision becomes clear, this team will be one of the most compelling to watch this offseason. Such is the nature of a contending team that is getting impatient with its inability to get over the hump.

-Scott Cullen of TSN in his Off-Season Game Plan for the San Jose Sharks. Read much more on the Sharks from Cullen.