Sharks open to trade offers for 2x Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson before Trade Deadline
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Erik Karlsson
San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier, has made his stance clear on defenceman Erik Karlsson’s trade. He stated that he is willing to lend an ear for any trade offers the 32-year-old receives before the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline on March 3. Considering the potential Karlsson carries, it’s no wonder NHL teams will inquire about him.
Currently, the 2-times Norris Trophy winner is under an 8-year $92 million contract with an annual average value of $11.5 million on June 17, 2019. His contract contains the no-trade clause, which implies that things may change depending on the defenceman’s wish. This was further confirmed by Grier’s statement.
After the GM meeting on Tuesday, Grier commented, “I’ll listen, but at the end of the day too, a lot will depend on Erik too”. “He’s got the trade protection and [has control over] what he wants to do. I know right now he’s happy. He’s happy in San Jose. His family’s happy there. And we’re thrilled with how he’s playing.”
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Sharks willing to trade Erik Karlsson
Voted as the NHL’s best defenceman after getting drafted by the Ottawa Senators during the 2008 Draft, the 32-year-old led the league with 10 goals and 22 points. He is tied for 8th among NHL skaters in points with Artemi Panarin of the New York Rangers with 5 goals and 17 assists.
Grier commented, “He’s a dynamic player”. “To me, he’s probably one of the three best offensive defensemen in the League, and he’s been great for us. He’s done everything we’ve asked as far as preparation, practicing, playing. He’s been great.”
“So maybe there’s a scenario where a team comes asking for him [in a trade], because I do think he’s a difference-maker. He’s someone who can go out there and win you a game — or win you a series, for that matter — so maybe something will come up down the road. We’ll see.”
Since Erik started with the Sharks, Grier, and Karlsson have developed a deep bond. Grier mentioned how he’s been in constant contact with the NHL defenceman even outside of the rink. Grier further mentioned, “I think it’s just been an open line of communication”.
“If he needs a day off or [has] things hockey-wise he wants to discuss, I think we’ve had open doors with him, and I think he just feels good about where he’s at personally in his life with his family and where he’s at with our relationship, where it’s kind of a pretty open back and forth, give and take.”
Of course, this extends to trade offers. If Karlsson wants to join any team or is interested in speaking to them, the team is open about the whole idea. After all, he has control over his trade. With the Sharks, he achieved his first career hat trick against the Anaheim Ducks in a 6-5 shootout loss on 1 November 2022.
Regarding his trade offers, Sharks GM said, “I try and stay in touch with him throughout the week, whether it’s just having a cup of coffee or things like that at the practice facility or on the road”. “[I] just try to make sure I’m in touch with him and seeing how he’s doing, him and some of our other veterans and things like that.”
“Depending on how our season goes, I’ll try to be open and honest with those guys and keep them in the loop, and [I] also want their opinion on how they’re feeling and what they want to do as far as next steps in their career.”
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Kaushani Chatterjee
(2137 Articles Published)