Erik Karlsson hints at possible offseason trade

It's safe to say that things haven't exactly gone according to plan for Erik Karlsson since he arrived in California.

After a full year of speculation and then courtship, the perennial Norris Trophy contender was shipped from the Ottawa Senators to the San Jose Sharks in a blockbuster deal that was supposed to put the Sharks over the top and elevate them to Stanley Cup contenders. But then... well... then the bottom fell out of the team. 

The Sharks made a run to the Western Conference Final in Karlsson's first year with the team in 2018-19, but then fell off a cliff the next season. They've been trying to climb back up that cliff ever since.

Counting this season, the Sharks have missed the playoffs three campaigns in a row and with an aging roster featuring Brent Burns, Logan Couture, Marc Edourd Vlasic and Karlsson himself as its core members, things aren't looking so hot for the future. With news today that a new GM will be hired this offseason due to Doug Wilson's ongoing health problems, there's a sense that a full rebuild could be coming in San Jose. Could Karlsson himself be on the move? He was asked that exact question earlier today.

His answer:

The thing is... Karlsson's not likely to move. I'm sure the Sharks would LOVE to get out from under his contract but with five more seasons at a whopping $11.5 million per, I don't see anyone biting. To be frank, Karlsson isn't worth even half that at this point of his career. So even if the Sharks were to retain 50% of his contract in a deal, would you take a 31 year old blueliner for five more seasons at nearly $6 million? Not a chance. For better or worse, the Sharks are going to have to ride out the Erik Karlsson Era to the bitter end. 

At this point, the Sharks are likely hoping that Burns (37 years old) and Vlasic (35 years old) elect to call it a career in the next season or two so that they can clear up $15 million in salary.