San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson confirmed that he has been discussing a trade with four teams.

Erik Karlsson trade rumors continue to swirl, but this time the three-time Norris Trophy winner talks about where he might go.

Karlsson confirmed to Expressen reporter Adam Johansson that he does not intend to finish his contract with the San Jose Sharks.

In the report, EK65 confirmed that he has been in talks with the Carolina Hurricanes, Pittsburgh Penguins, Seattle Kraken, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Throughout the process, Karlsson has said he wants to go to a place where he can win a Stanley Cup, and GM Mike Grier has said he will honor that request.

"I've been open that I want to try to win, and San Jose has been open that it won't happen there," Karlsson told Expressen via Google Translate. "We have a good relationship, and we understand each other, even if it's not a fun situation to get through."

The Penguins and Hurricanes' rumors have been well-documented. The Kraken has been discussed, but no actual news regarding any talks has surfaced until now. 

The Leafs seem like a pipe dream to acquire the 33-year-old Swede. Auston Matthews is due for a massive contract extension, and William Nylander's contract is about to expire. 

Already pushed against the cap, the Maple Leafs will have difficulty trading for Karlsson.

Seattle just signed RFA defenseman Vince Dunn to a four-year deal with a cap hit of $7.35 million per season. Even with that higher cap hit of Dunn, all Seattle would need to do is move a piece like Alexander Wennberg and have the Sharks retain some salary on Karlsson.

"I just want the best chance to get to the best team," Karlsson added. "Where it is, well, we'll see."

Seattle made the playoffs for the first time in team history last season and knocked out the defending champion Colorado Avalanche in the first round. Young players like Shane Wright and Matthew Beniers make Seattle an attractive up-and-coming team.

Grier does not want to retain the maximum 50% allowable of Karlsson's contract but has confirmed that he is willing to retain some.

"I get updates, but it's just a lot of talk back and forth," Karlsson said about Grier's communication with him. "I'll just have to wait and see what happens. I know what my family and I want. Now we just hope we get the chance."

The trade of Erik Karlsson continues to build intensity, and when it finally does happen, Grier will have ensured he feels he got the best return possible for the San Jose Sharks.