Sharks, Erik Karlsson reportedly agree to work on a trade this summer
The San Jose Sharks have been rumoured to be looking to move on from defenceman Erik Karlsson for what feels like months now.
Nothing was able to get done at the trade deadline in March, mainly because the trade will be very complex due to Karlsson's large salary, but TSN's Pierre LeBrun is reporting that both sides have agreed to work out a move this summer.
He added, "Erik Karlsson wants to play for a contender and the Sharks are rebuilding. So they really have a unified vision on where this needs to go. But you mentioned the contract, is there a team out there that can eat enough of that deal or how much are the Sharks willing to eat? Of course, Karlsson has the full-no movement and will have the last say on if he's comfortable with the trade partner. No guarantee this deal gets done, but a few teams already kicking tires in the last few days."
Karlsson, 33, is coming off the best offensive season we've seen by a defenceman in the last 30 years. He appeared in all 82 of San Jose's games this season, recording 101 points (25 goals, 76 assists), 36 penalty minutes and was a minus-26.
The Landsbro, Sweden native has four years remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $11.5 million per season. It's unlikely that the Sharks will want to eat 50% ($5.75 million) for each of the next four years, so if a deal gets done in the next few weeks or over the summer, there's a good chance that a third team will be involved to help with salary retention.
Source: Pierre LeBrun - TSN's Insider Trading
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Which team would be the best fit for Erik Karlsson? | ||
| Edmonton | 82 | 44.6 % |
| Pittsburgh | 48 | 26.1 % |
| Carolina | 33 | 17.9 % |
| New Jersey | 21 | 11.4 % |
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