The task before Sharp when he returns is to get back some good ES play. So far his numbers are 9 points and 3 goals; all his goals and 6 of his 9 points are on the PP. Much like Toews and the rest of the team early on, he was invisible ES. I'm sure that's gonna change but still the fact that the team has been winning without him does lend to expendibility--just like Saad's lack of O in a contract year does lend to less of a payrise, and well and expendency if a team offersheets him.
Doesn't mean any of us would like to lose either, but if a piece goes down and the team keeps winning it adds to their superfluousness.