It feels like the quiet before the storm in the Erik Karlsson trade saga for the San Jose Sharks.
San Jose Sharks No. 1 defenseman, Erik Karlsson, has been linked to the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Carolina Hurricanes.
Most of the rumors have been connected to the Pens, and Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang have endorsed a move for the three-time Norris Trophy winner.
According to The Athletic's Rob Rossi, the Sharks have interest in Marcus Petterson as part of the return for EK65.
"The Sharks have been interested in Marcus Pettersson as part of a deal with the Penguins," Rossi wrote on Monday. "However, [Penguins president Kyle] Dubas has so far resisted including Pettersson in any offers."
Petterson has been a solid defenseman for the Pens and holds a $4.025 million cap hit over the next two seasons. Petterson does have a modified no-trade clause where he would submit an eight-team no-trade list.
Petterson had 24 points in 68 games last season and could be a solid piece to fill the void left by Karlsson.
There has also been a connection between the San Jose Sharks and defenseman Jeff Petry, but it sounds like that is less likely, according to Rossi.
"It's understood that Petry, whose family lives in Michigan, is not open to playing as far away as San Jose," Rossi said.
When it comes to the Hurricanes' side of the deal, there hasn't been much information. The only real piece is that the Sharks seem interested in Jack Drury.
Drury is entering his final year of his ELC and holds a $925k cap hit. The 23-year-old played 38 games at the NHL level last season and had a consistent lineup spot in the Canes' run to the ECF.
GM Mike Grier will look to get the best possible additions when dealing EK65 but don't expect a mega return as Karlsson holds a lot of leverage.
This week at The Hockey News, San Jose Sharks
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