Can the San Jose Sharks Find Any Takers for Erik Karlsson This Time?

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson was the topic of trade talk around the deadline, but nothing panned out. What about now?

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson was a frequent topic of trade rumors throughout this season. It appears efforts to move him will continue during the off-season.

TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported last week that Sharks management recently met with Karlsson's representatives. He indicated that both sides agreed to work on a trade for the 33-year-old blueliner.

After several injury-plagued seasons, Karlsson enjoyed a bounce-back performance in 2022-23. A finalist for the James Norris Memorial Trophy, his team-leading 101 points made him the first defenseman to tally a 100-point season since Brian Leetch in 1991-92.

The Sharks, however, are rebuilding, and Karlsson's preference is to play for a winning club. In November, GM Mike Grier told reporters he would entertain trade offers for the all-star rearguard.

Many teams would love to have an elite puck-mover such as Karlsson patrolling their blueline. However, the path to a trade is blocked by his hefty contract. 

He carries an average annual value of $11.5 million for the next four seasons with a full no-movement clause, according to PuckPedia, though he'd likely waive the latter to join a contender.

LeBrun wondered if there is a team able to absorb Karlsson's full contract or how much the Sharks would have to retain up to the maximum of 50 percent to facilitate a trade. Nevertheless, he said there were teams “kicking tires.”

The Athletic's Shayna Goldman and Harman Dayal suggested the Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators (Karlsson's former team) as possible destinations. They acknowledged it would take some creativity for one of those clubs to pull off a deal.

For most, it's finding the cap space for Karlsson's contract. For others, it's packaging sufficient assets to tempt the Sharks.