Erik Karlsson is having a great season in the NHL.
Now he could be on his way away from the Sharks.
The NHL team is now open to trade away the superstar.
– Something could come up, says general manager Mike Grier.
The one who is second in the NHL’s scoring league for defensemen scored 19 points. The one in first place has scored five (!) more points, so 24, and his name is Erik Karlsson. The Swede has had some really tough years since moving to the San Jose Sharks a few years ago, but has exploded this fall, looking like his old self again.
Can be replaced
When he left the Ottawa Senators for the Sharks, it was for a shot at the Stanley Cup. But it fell heavily. The Sharks did not get their investment at all, and instead they are now a cemented bottom team, which pays one of the league’s most expensive contracts to Erik Karlsson. The Sharks may be entering a so-called rebuilding phase, where they shed expensive contracts and older stars to invest in draft picks and younger talent, and that could lead to Karlsson’s departure.
Karlsson could have been traded away in previous years, but he has not played well enough for another team in the league to want to take over his contract. But considering how he played this season, teams should flock around the Swede.
– He is a dynamic player. To me, he’s one of the top three offensive backs in the league, and he’s been terrific for us. He has done everything we have asked of him when it comes to preparation, training, efforts. He’s been awesome, general manager Mike Grier told NHL.com.
READ MORE: Mikael Renberg’s tearful tribute to Börje Salming: “He is very brave who shows his weakest self”
“Something may appear”
He now also confirms to the site that he is open to replacing Erik Karlsson, who is under contract through the 2026-2027 season.
– There could be a scenario where a team asks us about him (in a three), because I think he is a player who makes a difference. He’s someone who can go out and win a game for you — or win a playoff series for you — so that’s something that could come up down the road. We’ll see, he says.
The San Jose Sharks are in last place, and will have nothing to do with any playoffs this season. Should the team be counted out of a playoff spot when winter approaches, major changes can take place in the playing squad, in order to begin a major rebuild.
“It depends on how our season goes, I’m going to try to be straight and honest with these guys (veterans) and keep them informed and I want their opinion on how they feel and what they want to do when it comes to the next step in their careers, says Grier.
READ MORE: Janne Andersson and the national team burst into tears at Börje Salming’s tributes: “When sport is at its best”