Sharks reveal Erik Karlsson was way more hurt than we could ever imagine

Erik Karlsson wasn’t in uniform when his San Jose Sharks were eliminated by the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday after a 5-1 win to advance to the franchise's first Cup Final since 1970.

But the loss must have been as painful to the defenseman. 

And speaking of pain, head coach Pete DeBoer finally revealed more about Karlsson’s condition after the game. The star blue liner was missing from the game in St. Louis after he appeared to be labouring on the ice since the start of the series. He appeared to re-aggravate a groin ailment at some point during this series and it has significantly limited him over the past few games. 

DeBoer revealed that Karlsson was healthy for just six weeks in the past year, struggling with many injuries since he was acquired by the Sharks in the preseason from the Ottawa Senators. 

The head coach also added that teammate and captain Joe Pavelski was not close to playing the game last night. 

Some wonder if the statement made on Karlsson’s health will decrease his value on the free-agent market this summer. It is believed that the former Norris-winner will test the market to become one of the most coveted piece up for grabs. However, some previously interested teams could change their mind about signing the blue liner, who appears more and more injury-prone. 

However, Sportsnet’s Brian Burke strongly believes that the hip or groin injury affecting Karlsson at the moment would be fixed before the start of the upcoming season and that one team will take the gamble to offer him a big contract to get him on board. 

Burke believes Karlsson will still manage to fetch $9 million annually on the free market. 

Let’s hope Karlsson gets better, so the offers do as well…