San Jose Sharks: Erik Karlsson to determine future shortly
Erik Karlsson will be making a decision regarding his future within the next week or so. Will he stay with the San Jose Sharks or test the waters of free agency?
When defenseman Erik Karlsson was traded to the San Jose Sharks back in September, people thought it would just be a one-year thing. However, the two-time Norris Trophy-winning defenseman was an immediate fit in San Jose, helping them make it to the Western Conference Final before losing to the St. Louis Blues.
According to Elliotte Friedman, Karlsson will be making a decision about his future shortly. He will decide whether he will re-sign with the Sharks or test the free agent market. Should Karlsson elect to do the latter, he would be unquestionably the best defenseman to hit free agency in a very long time.
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The Sharks face an uncertain future, especially with players like Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski, and Joonas Donskoi set to become unrestricted free agents.
However, Karlsson would help them keep together a defensive group that is one of the best in the NHL. Brent Burns is a Norris Trophy finalist (and has won one), Karlsson has two Norris Trophies, and Marc-Edouard Vlasic is one of the NHL’s premier defensive defensemen.
Why Karlsson Should Stay With The Sharks
Karlsson wants to win. He has a good chance of doing that in San Jose. General Manager Doug Wilson is one of the best in the business, as he’s never afraid to pull the trigger on big deals. Karlsson also cares a lot about his family and his family seemed happy in California.
For years, he played for the Ottawa Senators, who are an unstable organization. Karlsson has gotten a taste of what it’s like to play for a winning organization. It wouldn’t be surprising if he decides to stay with the Sharks, where he’s comfortable, rather than test the uncharted waters of free agency.
Also, Karlsson seems close to making a decision. This means he’s likely leaning towards the Sharks. Why would Karlsson make the decision to not return to San Jose this early? It wouldn’t be impossible to go back from that, but it would be difficult.
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Why Karlsson Should Test Free Agency
It wouldn’t hurt Karlsson if he decides to see what other offers are out there. He has been linked to the Tampa Bay Lightning, where Victor Hedman, one of his best friends, happens to play. Karlsson would likely ensure he gets the best contract he can get if he sees what else is out there.
Verdict
All signs point to Karlsson returning to the Sharks. Stars like him rarely hit free agency. Yes, people said the same thing about John Tavares last year, and he shocked the world by signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs. But he’s the exception, not the rule. I’m 60% sure he re-signs with the Sharks.
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Regardless of what happens, the Sharks probably appreciate Karlsson for making such a quick decision. They’ve got a lot of them to make and he’s one of their biggest ones. That shows what kind of guy Karlsson is – a team-first guy who puts the team before himself.