Could the Edmonton Oilers Try to Acquire Erik Karlsson?

Erik Karlsson's having a solid season, but his contract makes it hard to trade for him. However, a rumor suggests some folks with the Oilers are interested.

San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier created a stir last month when he indicated his willingness to entertain trade offers for Erik Karlsson. Since then, however, speculation over the 32-year-old defenseman's future has quieted down largely because of his expensive contract and no-movement clause.

That doesn't mean there aren't any teams that wouldn't mind having Karlsson on their blueline. According to TSN's Darren Dreger, some folks within the Edmonton Oilers' organization have an interest in the two-time Norris Trophy winner.

Dreger acknowledged that it seems impossible for the cap-strapped Oilers to acquire Karlsson. Nevertheless, their defense remains an issue. 

He pointed out that veteran blueliners Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci are seeing too much playing time while young rearguards Evan Bouchard and Philip Broberg aren't yet ready to handle a heavier workload.

The Edmonton Journal's David Staples took notice of Dreger's report. He believes the Sharks would have to retain half of Karlsson's $11.5-million average annual value through 2026-27 and perhaps even get a third team involved to spread those cap dollars around. Staples guessed the Oilers may have to part with Tyson Barrie, Jesse Puljujarvi, two lottery-protected first-round picks plus Broberg or Dylan Holloway.

Any notion of the Oilers acquiring Karlsson, however, begins with his willingness to waive his no-movement clause to come to Edmonton. Maybe the notion of skating with superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl might be appealing.

Karlsson could also have other destinations in mind. He still maintains a home in Ottawa where he spent nine seasons with the Senators. There was also talk of him going to the Tampa Bay Lightning before he was shipped to the Sharks in 2018.