It isn’t a secret San Jose Sharks Defenseman Erik Karlsson will probably be among the many hottest prospects on the NHL commerce deadline in March. Because the day attracts nearer, Karlsson informs the group of his intentions.
Within the type of “Acquired Yer Again” podcast with TSN’s Pierre LeBrun and Ryan Rishaug, Karlsson revealed that going to the competitors is a precedence for him at this level in his profession.
“I’ve all the time inspired that. I’ve all the time been who I’m, and I wish to win,” Karlsson stated. “It will all the time be my aim. I feel my household is aware of and understands that, and so they help me in each resolution I wish to make professionally. This doesn’t imply that it will likely be simple to maneuver now and the whole lot. But when it involves that, I do not assume there will probably be any difficulties to do it.
“I am not going to budge on that. I wish to win. And I feel if you grow old and you’ve got been round a very long time, you understand it is not as simple because it appears to be like, and it’s important to hit it on the proper time.”
Karlsson has a full non-movable clause in his contract, so he might block any deal the Sharks put in entrance of him. The previous defenseman additionally has a excessive contract as he’s making $11.5 million this season.
Earlier this month, groups started calling the Sharks to inquire about Karlsson’s availability.
Karlsson is within the midst of his greatest season for the reason that Sharks acquired him in a commerce from the Ottawa Senators again in 2018. The 32-year-old presently leads all NHL defensemen in factors (62), targets (15), and assists (47). Karlsson additionally leads the league in assists whereas he’s sixth in factors.
Karlsson is presently at 111 factors (27 targets & 84 assists) within the 2022-23 season. This might surpass his earlier career-highs (82), targets (21), and assists (66).
The Sharks wish to transfer Karlsson earlier than the league’s March 3 commerce deadline contemplating the staff’s 14-23-9 document.
He is a proficient defenseman who might be on the transfer, here is a take a look at 5 clear spots for Karlsson.
It was a troublesome begin to the season for Edmonton as they have been compelled to be with out their high participant in Evander Kane for an prolonged time frame. Nevertheless, after lacking two months, Kane returned to the lineup earlier this week and Edmonton stays within the working for the Western Convention. Because of this the Oilers make sense by making a splash and making an attempt to strengthen their blue line with Karlsson. Former picks Jesse Puljujarvi and Dylan Holloway might be on the best way to a deal. It additionally does not harm that the Oilers have their first-round choose within the subsequent three years, in order that might be engaging to the Sharks.
The Kraken rapidly grew to become a contender within the Pacific Division regardless of solely being of their second season within the NHL. They’re presently tied with Vegas Golden Knights on this division they’re main the best way and have proven that they’ll compete with the heavyweights within the league. Nevertheless, the blue line is one space that may be addressed as a result of the staff doesn’t have a high defenseman. With fewer gamers on their roster, the Kraken can soak up Karlsson’s massive cap. The Sharks could be silly to not attempt to pry 2022 first spherical choose Shane Wright away from the Kraken on any monetary foundation. Even when that does not occur, Seattle has a primary spherical choose and three picks in 2023, so that they have numerous good issues that ought to please San Jose.
Music and dancing have remained the identical for the Toronto Maple Leafs lately. It is a franchise that hasn’t made it out of the postseason opener previously six years and has one thing to supply. The Maple Leafs protection has been decimated by accidents all through the 2022-23 season. Jake Muzzin is presently sidelined with a again harm and will not play once more this season. As well as, TJ Brodie, Morgan Rielly, and Jordie Benn are all presently injured, so Toronto could also be compelled to maneuver. Expertise Nick Robertson and high prospect Matthew Knies might be on the desk for a deal that will contain Karlsson. Having Karlsson on the ice with the likes of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner from an offensive standpoint could be harmful for opponents. Contemplating that Maple Leafs normal supervisor Kyle Dubas’ job might be in jeopardy if the staff makes a comeback, it’d make sense for Toronto to maneuver the fences.
The Capitals will not be the clubhouse leaders to land Karlsson, however maybe the staff is seeking to make a Stanley Cup ultimate run or two earlier than Alex Ovechkin hangs up his sport. John Carlson is the one defenseman the Capitals have signed past this season, so including Karlsson would make sense. If the Sharks conform to retain a big portion of Karlsson’s wage, the Capitals might make a deal. Their 2023 first-round choose and high prospects Connor McMichael and Ivan Miroshnichenko might be on the desk in change for Karlsson. The thought of ​​becoming a member of Ovechkin might be intriguing for the veteran.
That is one that may depend upon the place the staff is because the commerce deadline approaches. The Panthers presently have a document of 22-20-5 (49 factors) and are two factors out of the second Wild Card spot within the Japanese Convention. Florida has gamers like ahead Patric Hornqvist ($5.3 million) and defenseman Radko Gudas ($2.5 million) coming off their books for the 2022-2023 season, so they’ll have cap area to work on going ahead. The Sharks might additionally agree to simply accept Karlsson’s wage to enhance the receiving package deal. The Panthers have already traded their first spherical picks for the following three years, however they’ve loads of promising gamers who might make the Sharks pleased. 21-year-old middle prospect Anton Lundell and the likes of Carter Verhaeghe might be adequate to accomplice Karlsson. By including Karlsson, it can give the Panthers two blue-collar gamers together with Aaron Ekblad.
