The 2022-23 season was the Erik Karlsson redemption season. The Swede has had a tough time since signing with the San Jose Sharks, where he became one of the best-paid players in the league. Karlsson hasn’t lived up to the standards, but this season was different, to say the least.
Karlsson became the first defenseman in 30 years to reach 100 points in the NHL, and this despite playing in one of the worst teams in the league. Sharks were out of the playoff race early, and it didn’t take long for him to be rumored to other teams. Teams that actually had a chance of winning the Cup.
But it didn’t happen, and since, it’s been rather quiet about Karlsson and a potential move. But now, it seems like things are starting to move.
According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, Karlsson’s representatives met with Sharks’ management last week, and they both seem eager to work out a trade for the star defenseman.
Erik Karlsson doesn’t want to be a part of a rebuild but play for a contender, and the Sharks could really use some great pieces in return, as well as get Karlsson’s hefty contract out of the way.
According to LeBrun, ”a few teams” have reportedly reached out to the Sharks about Karlsson’s availability in the recent weeks.
It would, of course, need a whole lot of figuring out to get a trade through, with Karlsson’s huge contract and full no-movement clause in mind, but it seems to be interesting teams out there.
Earlier this year, it was talked about interest from the Edmonton Oilers for Karlsson, and it would sure be exciting to see him and Connor McDavid on the same team.
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