San Jose Sharks: Re-Evaluating the Situation With Erik Karlsson

So… yeah, I’ve been away from sports writing for the past while, but, despite that, the situation with the San Jose Sharks and defenseman Erik Karlsson has remained largely the same.

It goes without saying that Karlsson’s turbulent tenure with the Sharks and his continually questionable future with the team is something that has been discussed to no end (myself included, twice) but regardless, changes are ultimately coming in San Jose after a few things that occurred over the course of this off-season

The departure of long-time Captain and franchise defenseman Brent Burns to the Carolina Hurricanes in essentially a salary-dump move is something that was both needed and is significant for a San Jose team hemmed by a fresh GM in former Shark Mike Grier. While Grier has stated he isn’t committing to a full-on rebuild just yet, Burns’ departure does signify that change is coming, which ultimately includes Karlsson.

I found that Karlsson’s comments on the trade rumors surrounding him, and how he ultimately didn’t request one, is something that pertains to both Karlsson as a player, and the commitment the Sharks now have to him whether they want to or not. The Sharks’ downfall from perennial Conference Finals favorites to the Pacific Division basement is something most couldn’t have seen coming, especially after the immense promise and consistency the team had shown behind the likes of Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski, Patrick Marleau, Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl.