Erik Karlsson’s feelings towards a trade out of San Jose leaked

San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier made it clear on Tuesday after a league’s meeting, he will listen to trade calls on his star defenseman Erik Karlsson.

However, Grier inadvertently leaked some information on how the veteran is taking the chatter. According to the GM, Karlsson is in control and for now, he is not interested in moving out of San Jose.

“A lot will depend on Erik too,” Grier said, per NHL.com. “He’s got the trade protection and [has control over] what he wants to do. I know right now he’s happy. He’s happy in San Jose. His family’s happy there. And we’re thrilled with how he’s playing.”

That’s also why Karlsson has garnered a lot of interest in trade chatter: he leads all NHL defensemen in goals (10) and points (24), and is tied for sixth among NHL skaters in points with Colorado Avalanche’s own Nathan MacKinnon.

“He’s a dynamic player,” Grier added. “To me, he’s probably one of the three best offensive defensemen in the League, and he’s been great for us. He’s done everything we’ve asked as far as preparation, practicing, playing. He’s been great.”

So, of course, the phone is going to ring for Karlsson. But he remains in control. However, while he may like San Jose and the community, the Sharks missed the playoffs the past three seasons.. he might want a shot at the Stanley Cup as he gets older.

On Insider Trading on TSN on Tuesday, Chris Johnston confirmed that Karlsson is becoming a top trade bait, though he sees a decision from the defenseman on testing the market or not coming closer to the deadline in March.

“It doesn’t sound as though anything’s pressing here. But if a team were to approach him on Erik Karlsson, who is having such a wonderful season for the (San Jose) Sharks, he (Grier) would at least be open to listen to that conversation. It should be noted [that] Karlsson has a no-movement clause in his contract; he has a hefty cap hit at $11.5 million. This would have to be a case where he wants to go and the team works with him. But the fact they’re open to have that conversation is something to keep an eye on as March 3 trade deadline gets closer.”

We will have to be patient with this one and remember that Karlsson might change his mind as the season evolves.