While it was expected to be the summer of Erik Karlsson with all the trade chatter linked to the star defenseman, he remains put in San Jose with rumours of an imminent move dying down. The Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins linked to Karlsson, though Sharks’ asking price and the blue liner’s hefty contract remain significant issues to get a deal done. Lyle Richardson of The Hockey News gathered all the latest information when it comes to the trade situation involving Karlsson and tells it like it is: “SHARKS’ EFFORTS TO MOVE ERIK KARLSSON APPEAR STALLED”
The Penguins are still believed to be front-runners though it was recently reported by Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff that they have made it clear they are seeking a lower price and are now are sitting back and waiting on the Sharks to drop the price.
Karlsson is under contract for the next four seasons at an $11.5 million cap hit. The deal includes a full no-movement clause and of that big $39.5 million chunk left to be put in his pockets, $13 million has to come in the form of signing bonuses.
Sharks GM Mike Grier also seeks a monster return for his player, but could drop the price as we get closer to training camps and the start of the 2023-24 season.
Richardson uses a quote from ESPN.com’s Kristen Shilton that says it best: “We all know he’s going to be traded. It’s just a matter of when, and to where.”
It was also pointed out by Rob Rossi that the Penguins are the only team that has been linked to Karlsson that didn’t make a major roster move over the past two weeks.
“The Hurricanes signed defenseman Tony DeAngelo, the Kraken avoided arbitration with blueliner Vince Dunn, and the Leafs announced they plan to put goaltender Matt Murray on long-term injury reserve.”
While Rossi admits that that doesn’t mean those clubs are out of the bidding for Karlsson, he believes the Penguins might be in the best position to pull the trigger.
But when? And at what price? The Sharks want a good return, but are being squeezed into lowering their asking price. Does that mean this is badly stalled at this point?
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