San Jose Sharks: Erik Karlsson Expected to Miss Some Time
The San Jose Sharks announced that Erik Karlsson is expected to miss the rest of the regular season, but is expected to return for the playoffs.
The San Jose Sharks have been wondering when star defenseman Erik Karlsson will return. His groin injury continues to plague him as he anticipates to miss a majority of the rest of the regular season. However, Karlsson is “definitely” going to be ready for the playoffs.
Karlsson has missed a total of 13 games in the past three months due to this nagging groin injury. He is now expected to miss about 15 more games with the same injury.
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Although Karlsson anticipates being out the rest of the regular season, he is optimistic about a potential early return. When asked about the timetable for his return Karlsson said, “100% (on if he will be available for the playoffs). It’s just whether I can get a few games in before, which would be nice.”
He is set to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2018-19 season and is looking to solidify a big contract deal with the Sharks. The 28-year-old defenseman has three goals and 42 assists in 52 games played this season. There is no doubt that Karlsson is one of the elite defensemen in the NHL and will be for a long time coming, thus likely to earn a big money deal.
The former long-time Ottawa Senators captain has been a perfect insert into the Sharks lineup as he has been setting up plays that spark offensive opportunity. At 6’0” and 190 pounds, Karlsson is not the biggest player in the NHL, but he is on a team full of players that protect him and allow him to be a phenomenal two-way player.
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If Karlsson proves to be a big difference maker in the playoffs, there is no doubt the Sharks will try to retain him in the offseason. Hopefully, Karlsson will be able to lick his wounds and come back ready for a long playoff run that kicks off on April 10th.