Karlsson won the Norris Trophy after a 100-point season with the Sharks last season.

Could the Toronto Maple Leafs be looking for offense from their defense?

According to TSN hockey insider Pierre LeBrun, the Maple Leafs are one of several teams that have inquired about defenseman Erik Karlsson.

Karlsson was in Nashville last night collecting his third Norris Trophy at the NHL Awards after a comeback season that included scoring 25 goals and 76 assists. 

The San Jose Sharks defenseman has four years remaining on a hefty contract that carries a salary cap hit of $11.5 million according to PuckPedia.com. It's believed that the Shark would either have to remain part of that cap hit in a potential move or see him moved as part of a much bigger package.

Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving is believed to be looking for more size from his defense. Karlsson doesn't necessarily fit that bill at 6-foot-0 and 181 pounds. But his talent is hard to deny and the Sharks could be looking to sell high after several seasons of underperformance before 2022-23. 

The 33-year-old Swede has a full mo-movement clause in his contract and would have to consent to any trade.

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