San Jose Sharks preview: Erik Karlsson leads Stanley Cup hopefuls
"Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images"
Led by 2016-17 Norris Trophy winner Brent Burns and two-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson, the San Jose Sharks are loading up for what could be an epic ride to the Stanley Cup.
The San Jose Sharks have been one of the NHL’s most consistent teams over the past 14 seasons. Since the start of the 2003-04 season, they’ve only missed the playoffs once. But the Sharks have zero Stanley Cups to show for it. Perhaps that’s why general manager Doug Wilson, as he often does, said “screw it” and traded for two-time Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Erik Karlsson, even though he knew he might just be a one-year rental.
With defensemen Brent Burns and Marc-Edouard Vlasic each on the wrong side of 30 years old, along with center Joe Thornton approaching the end of his career and captain Joe Pavelski joining Burns and Vlasic on the “wrong side of 30 years old” club, the Sharks are all-in to win a Stanley Cup. On paper, this is the best team they have ever iced and Wilson probably isn’t even done upgrading yet.
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The Sharks nearly pulled off an amazing run last season, appearing to peak at just the right time. After sweeping the Anaheim Ducks, San Jose put up a valiant fight against the Vegas Golden Knights, but fell just short.
Expectations are higher than they have ever been. The Sharks have a long history of falling short in the postseason, but this crew has what it takes to seriously contend for the Stanley Cup. With a bit of luck, they could be the second straight champion to exorcise their postseason demons.
Offseason Recap
Additions: D Erik Karlsson
The Sharks offseason got off to a roaring start when they nearly wooed free agent center John Tavares to join them. He wound up choosing the Toronto Maple Leafs. San Jose was really smart to not overreact. Wilson stalked his prey (one that he had fleeced earlier in the offseason) and eventually got the elite player he wanted in Karlsson.
San Jose spent most of their offseason taking care of their own to ensure their future will be a competitive one. Some teams might have panicked after losing Tavares (glares at the Islanders) but give credit to the Sharks for keeping their valuable cap space so when a difference maker became available, they were able to get him.
All stats are via Natural Stat Trick and Corsica.