NHL
San Jose Sharks Acquire Erik Karlsson In Blockbuster Deal
After many months of rumors and speculations involving a trade for 2-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson, the Ottawa Senators have finally agreed to send him to San Jose in exchange for F Chris Tierney, D Dylan Demelo, prospects Joshua Norris and Rudolfs Balcers, a conditional 2019 2nd round pick, and a 2020 conditional 1st round pick.
Erik Karlsson is finally free of the mess that is the Ottawa Senators. After many months of drama pouring out, word was that Karlsson had requested a trade be made. The Sharks, among many other teams, had been calling Ottawa GM Pierre Diorion about the world-class defenseman. A deal has finally been made, and it seems Erik Karlsson will be wearing teal this upcoming season.
Erik Karlsson’s Immediate Impact In San Jose
With the acquisition of Karlsson, the Sharks now have two of the leagues top defenseman, in Karlsson/Brent Burns. Not to mention, Marc-Eduard Vlasic and Justin Braun, both solid defensemen. We will not know for sure who will pair with who until the start of the regular season, but you can bet a D-pairing of Brent Burns and Erik Karlsson will be likely on the Sharks top power-play line.
Tierney, Demelo, among others headed to Ottawa
Along with the joy of landing world-class talent, such as Erik Karlsson, a fan base also must face what they have given up in return. The Sharks have sent role players Chris Tierney, and Dylan Demelo to a rebuilding Ottawa Senators. A season ago, Tierney put up decent numbers, with 17 goals, and 23 assists, for a total of 40 points across 82 games. Demelo, with a total of 20 points all assists, a clear defensive-defenseman, was often shaky on the Sharks third defensive pairing. The Sharks also dealt prospects Josh Norris, expected to see the NHL this year, and Rudolfs Balcers, who had a decent year with the San Jose Barracuda, along with draft picks, both conditional.
The acquisition of Karlsson puts the Sharks right back in the hunt for the Stanley Cup in the upcoming season; despite the rest of the Pacific Division having bolstered their respective rosters. This is dependent on whether or not Karlsson and the rest of the San Jose Sharks roster can remain healthy. Watch out for the San Jose Sharks in the Pacific Division, and maybe even the Western Conference.
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Photo Credit
Photo Courtesy of Bridget Samuels
