San Jose Sharks: 3 keys to bouncing back next season

Erik Karlsson’s Health

Once the top defenseman in the NHL, Erik Karlsson‘s injuries have interrupted his ability to show his value. The Sharks parted ways with a mix of players, prospects, and a first and second-round pick, conditional, to acquire the star from the Ottawa Senators back in the summer of 2018.

The pending UFA decided to sign an 8-year extension, worth $11.5 million dollars per year, with a no-movement clause to go along with that as this team seemed to be the team to beat with his addition.

In a previous article this year on Karlsson, I discussed his injury history and how this contract is going to really hurt this team’s ability to improve, as there is many things that need fixing. He was expected to play a pivotal role on the back end, adding speed and offensive awareness to a skilled back end.

https://twitter.com/SanJoseSharks/status/1116190054576050176

This season, Karlsson has dealt with yet another injury, as his offensive abilities seem to have disintegrated, scoring just six goals on the season. Playing just 109 games out of 152 over the last two campaigns is very concerning given the fact that the almost 30-year old’s production seems to be on the decline way sooner than anticipated.

And sadly, there is nothing the team could do but hope he finds a way to play solid enough to where the contract was not a complete joke.

But that just does not seem likely, and moving this player is not likely either. No team is going to be willing to take on that deal for a guy that cannot seem to stay healthy enough to help his team win. And with the no-movement clause, it would have to make sense to Karllson as well, as he would have to be willing to waive that agreement.

Now if teams are awarded compliance buyout due to COVID-19, the question becomes would general manager Doug Wilson even consider that?

If he did make that move, Karlsson would be paid $53.78 million dollars of his remaining $80.75 million dollars over the next 14 years. That translates to $3.84 million per year, rather than the $11.5 million he is receiving now.