San Jose Sharks working towards extension with Erik Karlsson
According to a recent report from The Athletic, the San Jose Sharks are closing in on signing star defenseman Erik Karlsson to an eight-year extension.
Back when the San Jose Sharks traded for Erik Karlsson in September, many thought it would be a one-year relationship. However, the two-time Norris Trophy winner became happy in San Jose and is reportedly open to returning.
According to The Athletic, the Sharks are working towards an eight-year extension with Karlsson. San Jose has yet to officially make it, but when they do, it’s expected to be an eight-year deal worth around $11 million.
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This would put Karlsson’s next contract in the same territory as Drew Doughty. It might even surpass his deal as far as total money.
Though Karlsson had trouble staying healthy at times this season, he still had a very impressive year. He wound up with 45 points in 53 games during the regular season. Karlsson’s 0.06 goals per game rate was the lowest of his career, though.
In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he added 16 points in 19 games. Altogether, in Karlsson’s last two postseasons, he has combined for 34 points in 38 games. Not too shabby. Evolving Hockey‘s Goals Above Replacement model had him as one of the top three most valuable defensemen in the NHL, posting a 3.2 WAR.
Related Story. 5 Teams Who Should Sign Karlsson. light
What Does This Mean For The Sharks?
I think this means the Sharks are prepared to invest in Karlsson over Joe Pavelski. Pavelski returning would certainly not be ruled out, but it would be much harder for San Jose to sign him to a deserving extension if they have Karlsson.
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This also likely means the end of Joonas Donski’s tenure with the Sharks. They can still probably afford Timo Meier on a bridge deal, but they’ll probably have to part ways with some players who are due significant raises, such as Donskoi.