Will the NHL’s highest-paid defenseman move? San Jose reportedly wants to trade Karlsson, Swede not opposed to trade

Erik Karlsson and San Jose? That connection may not last much longer. The Sharks reportedly want to trade the highest paid defenseman and the Swede is not opposed to it because he would like to play for a contender, which San Jose will not be in the next few years.

Erik Karlsson was brought to San Jose in 2018 from Ottawa thinking he was the final piece to the puzzle to win the Stanley Cup. So the Sharks gave him a contract in June 2019 for $11.5 million a year through 2027, making him the highest-paid defenseman in the league.

But the Stanley Cup chase didn’t work out, Karlsson often struggled with injuries and only managed about 50 games in the last three seasons. But before the last one, he got healthy and had the year of his life.

He played all 82 games and collected 101 points on 25 goals and 76 assists, the most of his career. He’ll likely see his third Norris Trophy. In addition, he became the oldest defenseman in NHL history to cross the century mark.

But he probably won’t continue in San Jose. According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, both sides agree that a trade is the best solution.

Karlsson, at 33, would like to play for a “contender” team and fight for his first Stanley Cup, while the Sharks would like to rebuild, where the $11.5 million would help them a lot.

It may not be easy to trade the Swedish defenseman, the fat cap hit combined with age and the no-movement clause will be an easy obstacle. Still, according to LeBrun, a few teams are inquiring.

San Jose reportedly wanted to trade Karlsson at the trade deadline, with Edmonton very interested. With Toronto also looking for an elite defenseman, it will be interesting to see where the Swedish defenseman ends up.

Source: TSN, Pierre LeBrun