San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson was back home in his native country of Sweden, where he was awarded the Golden Puck, the prize awarded to Sweden’s best ice hockey player. This comes just one month after he captured his third Norris Trophy. Karlsson has captured three Golden Pucks throughout his illustrious career; he trumps players such as Peter Forsberg, Jörgen Jönsson and Victor Hedman with three awards.
Karlsson became the first Swedish defenseman and the first NHL defenseman in 31 years to register 100 points in a season after notching 25 goals and 76 assists for 101 points in 82 games during the 2022-23 campaign.
Following Karlsson’s astonishing resurgence season, his name has continued to flow in trade rumors, Karlsson even stating he will NOT be returning to California to play for the Sharks. While speaking to Adam Johansson of Expressen in an exclusive interview, the 33-year-old defenseman divulged that he has spoken to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Seattle Kraken and Carolina Hurricanes regarding a trade.
With trade rumors swindling, the one problem is Karlsson’s cap hit; he currently makes $11.5 million annually and will do so for the next four years. Whichever team makes a trade for him will want Sharks general manager Mike Grier to retain a maximum of 50%.
Karlsson spoke on having no desire to be dealt to a specific destination and that he is open to the entire process, “No, I’m open about this process. I don’t have a chosen destination. I just want the best chance to get to the best team. Where it is, well, we’ll see.”
The Landsbro, Sweden, product helped the Sharks reach the third round of the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2018-19, capping off a season marred by injuries. But the Sharks haven’t made the playoffs since Karlsson failed to stay healthy. But Karlsson played 82 games for the first time since 2015-16 this year, looking like the peak Karlsson that propelled him to superstar status during his time in Ottawa.
“It clicked again. It just felt… good. I always felt like I could get back to this level, and now it finally happened,” said Karlsson. “I’ve believed in myself, and of course, it’s fun that others think it was a strong season, but it’s not something I base any of what I do on. Above all, I have proven to myself, maybe a little to everyone else as well, that I still have it in me. Now I just have to hold on to it.”
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