Major Update in a Possible League-Shattering Erik Karlsson Trade

A TSN Insider has provided a major update on the Erik Karlsson front. According to Pierre LeBrun, not only do the Sharks want to move him this summer, Karlsson himself is open to being traded.

Career Year

Karlsson is coming off his best year offensively in the NHL. The Swedish defenceman put up 25 goals and 101 points on a team that struggled to get any wins and had very little scoring power overall. He is certainly an attractive option for many teams. However, there is one issue.

Salary Implications

Karlsson's annual cap hit is $11.5 million, making him the highest paid defenceman in the NHL, and 5th overall. There's also four years left on that contract. However, LeBrun stated that, for the right trade, the Sharks are willing to retain a major chunk of salary, and option sure to have other GMs picking up the phone.

Karlsson is nominated for the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenceman for 2022-23. It would be interesting to see him win the award and then be traded just a few days later.


Source: Habs Fanatics