Opinion: Will Erik Karlsson End up in San Jose?

by
Former Writers
August 24, 2018

Ezra Shaw via Getty Images

Is San Jose A Realistic Landing Spot For Erik Karlsson?

After a long summer of rumors and potential players being taken out of the free-agency market, it has led to nothing short of a disappointment for many San Jose Sharks fans. The Sharks, along with many other teams, were in contention to win the John Tavares sweepstakes. All of them coming up short when Tavares decided to go home and play for his hometown team; the Toronto Maple Leafs. After striking out on Tavares, Sharks GM Doug Wilson has spent the rest of the offseason signing back some of his own players, such as veteran center Joe Thornton, and young center Tomàs Hertl.

Until recently, this was believed to be the most exciting thing Sharks fans would get; after yet another disappointing ending to a rather well-played season. Reports have surfaced about the Ottawa Senators potentially starting to listen to calls for their franchise defenseman, Erik Karlsson.

Hearing San Jose Sharks are willing to part with Timo Meier, Kevin Labanc and Jeremy Roy for Erik Karlsson.

— RumorBreak (@RumorBreak) July 8, 2018

Could the San Jose Sharks general manager pull off some more trade magic, as he has done in the past? If you remember, he was able to trade for team legend Joe Thornton, starting goaltender Martin Jones, and Brent Burns, who since being moved to the blue line, has been making his case as the face of the franchise. Not to mention, trading for, and now resigning to a long-term contract, taking Evander Kane from the Sabres at the trade deadline for F Danny O’Regan, and two first round picks.

What Would Adding Karlsson Bring To San Jose?

It’s worth mentioning that the Sharks do have the cap room. After failing to land Tavares, and after a somewhat up-and-down year for the Sharks blue-liners, adding one of the leagues top defenseman would benefit them in more areas than their own zone. Along with world-class defensive skills, Karlsson would bring outstanding passing to a team that is lacking in the area. Aside from Joe Thornton. He gets pucks to the net, doesn’t turn the puck over often, and would bring leadership to a team that is already a mix of seasoned veterans. Additionally, the Sharks are a pool of young players trying to make a name for themselves in today’s NHL. With the rest of the Pacific Division stocking up for the upcoming season, adding Erik Karlsson could jump them right back up to the top of the Pacific, and maybe even the entirety of the Western Conference.