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NHL free agency: 5 teams who need to sign Erik Karlsson

By Dave Stevenson

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 28: {L-R} Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Brayden Point #21 of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators wait to be introduced during the 2018 Honda NHL All-Star Game at Amalie Arena on January 28, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 28: {L-R} Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Brayden Point #21 of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators wait to be introduced during the 2018 Honda NHL All-Star Game at Amalie Arena on January 28, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images /

It appears that two-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson won’t be returning to the San Jose Sharks. He’ll be hitting NHL free agency as perhaps the most sought after free agent defenseman of all-time. Here’s a look at which five teams make the most sense for him.

Erik Karlsson’s future is uncertain at this point. The two-time Norris Trophy-winning defenseman seems to be heading towards NHL free agency for the first time in his career. A return to the San Jose Sharks isn’t impossible, but after his ominous “thank you Sharks fans” tweet, it’s hard to see it happening.

Karlsson will enter free agency as perhaps the most sought after free agent defenseman of all-time. Two-time Norris Trophy winners are rarely made available. Teams usually lock them up long-term to avoid letting them taste the open market. However, the Sharks have some roster decisions to make of their own, so Karlsson probably doesn’t make sense for them.

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While he is one of the most talented and prolific defensemen of all-time, like all free agents, Karlsson comes with baggage. Firstly, there’s his injury history. Karlsson only played 53 games this season with the Sharks due to a number of injuries.

He even missed Game 6 of the Western Conference Final. However, it is worth noting before the 2018-19 season, Karlsson played in at least 70 games in each of the previous five seasons.

Secondly, one has to wonder how much longer he can be productive. Karlsson turns 29 on May 31, and age isn’t kind to defensemen. He’ll likely want a seven-year deal as well (an eight-year deal courtesy of a sign-and-trade is plausible, though unlikely). Teams will have to discuss how long they believe he can remain an elite skater before signing him.

There are questions about his defense. However, it’s worth noting Karlsson’s offense usually more than makes up for it. He’s also a monster in transition, which offsets a lot of his defensive issues. Which teams make the most sense for Karlsson? Here are five teams who need him.

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