THN.com/podcast. From The Hockey News Podcast: What's the Buffalo Sabres' Future in Net? Erik Karlsson [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk3MTUyODcyNDM2MDgxNzQ3/usatsi_20412701.jpg] Erik Karlsson The San Jose Sharks are finishing their schedule this week with a three-game road trip. They'll enter an off-season in which Erik Karlsson will remain a hot topic of trade rumors. Prior to the Sharks' final home game on Saturday, Curtis Pashelka of The Mercury News [https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/04/06/is-erik-karlsson-nearing-his-last-home-game-with-the-san-jose-sharks/] wondered if it would also be Karlsson's last with the franchise. While the club struggled throughout this season, the 32-year-old defenseman is the favorite to win the Norris Trophy thanks to a career-best performance that could make him the first defenseman since 1991-92 to reach 100 points. Pashelka noted that Karlsson has said he wants to play for a contender. However, the Sharks are rebuilding and remain years away from Stanley Cup contention. Last fall, Sharks GM Mike Grier let it be known he's willing to entertain offers for Karlsson. He said following the March 3 trade deadline [https://thehockeynews.com/news/expect-the-erik-karlsson-trade-rumors-to-re-surface-this-summer] that he spoke with several clubs but never got close to a deal. Karlsson told Pashelka that he expected to meet with Grier following this season to evaluate where they go from here. Moving him won't be easy, given his $11.5-million annual cap hit through 2026-27 and his full no-movement clause. Nevertheless, Pashelka believes the number of suitors for Karlsson could increase over the off-season, especially if the salary cap rises by more than the projected $1 million for next season. He also thinks the chances of moving him could improve if the Sharks are willing to retain up to half of Karlsson's salary. It's too early to tell which clubs could pursue Karlsson this summer. We will find out by mid-June when teams have more cap space and a willingness to invest in big-name talent.
