Erik Karlsson now confirms that he wants to leave the San Jose Sharks this summer.
At the same time, he makes the whole world burst into a frenzy – with the nicest words about his future.
The move rumors surrounded Erik Karlsson already this spring. He has had unparalleled success with the San Jose Sharks, and when it became clear early on that the team would have nothing to do with the playoffs, there were immediate rumors that teams were interested, and Karlsson himself was open to going to a team that challenges about the title.
The words about a move
However, Karlsson completed the season with the Sharks, and what a success it was. The Swede became the first defender in 30 years to reach 100 points in the league. And immediately the rumors took off again. The Sharks will enter a major rebuilding phase and then it is of the utmost importance that they get rid of a part of Karlsson’s enormous salary. The Swede is one of the highest paid players in the league, and last season he showed that he deserves it.
At the same time that the Sharks are said to be willing to get a deal through, Erik Karlsson himself is now opening up about his future. And he is open that he is ready to take the next step.
– It can go quickly when it does happen, but for today no decision is close. I have a good relationship with Sharks general manager Mike Grier and fully understand his situation. A three must work for the Sharks as well. That’s the way it is, he tells Expressen.
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Great joke
Erik Karlsson has long been one of the world’s best defensemen, but he has never played in an NHL team that seriously challenged for a Stanley Cup. When he played for the Ottawa Senators, he so carried the team on his shoulders, and the San Jose Sharks venture quickly ran into the sand, and since his arrival there, the team has never come close to challenging. Erik Karlsson is hungry for the Stanley Cup, for sure – and when he talked about it before the NHL Awards this week, he had the entire hockey world erupting into a frenzy.
Karlsson’s former teammate in Ottawa, Mark Stone, won the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights a few weeks ago. Karlsson is invited to Stone’s party – and there he is clear that he will avoid something that usually means bad luck in the hockey world.
– I’m going to go to “Stoney’s” winner’s party, and I won’t touch the dent. Like, hell!, he says, which broke into big laughs.
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