Erik Karlsson, the veteran defenseman for the San Jose Sharks has said that he wants to leave the team. The Sharks are now working hard to find a trade that will benefit both Karlsson and the team.
Karlsson has confirmed that he has spoken to several teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes, and Seattle Kraken.
According to Chris Johnston from TSN, Karlsson has also talked to other teams, but people don’t know which ones yet.
Karlsson just wants the best chance to play for the best team. He recently won the Golden Puck, which is awarded to Sweden’s top hockey player.
“I just want the best chance to play for the best team,” Karlsson said after winning the Golden Puck.
“Look at Florida. They shouldn’t have made the playoffs. They did and they went to the Cup Final. They beat Boston. We all thought Boston was going to win. There are no guarantees, I just want a chance.” he added.
After such a great season, with 25 goals and 76 assists for 101 points, Karlsson wants to a team that has a shot at winning the Stanley Cup.
Karlsson is still under contract with the Sharks for four more seasons. He makes an average of $11.5 million per year. In the 2022-2023 season, he won the Norris Trophy for the third time in his career, which is a big deal for defensemen.
If the Sharks want to make a trade happen, their general manager, Mike Grier, might have to withhold part of Karlsson’s salary. This means that the Sharks would still pay some of Karlsson’s salary even if he plays for another team.
However, Grier has said that he is not willing to withhold 50% of Karlsson’s salary, which is the maximum allowed by the deal.
Karlsson is ready for a change and wants to a team that has a good chance of winning the Stanley Cup.
The Sharks are working hard to find a trade that will benefit both Karlsson and the team.
