Karlsson responds to the trade rumours ahead of deadline day
There are several names to look out for on the trade market heading into the NHL's trade deadline - some that we already know like Arizona's Jakob Chychrun, and then there are some that we just don't know yet, like San Jose's Erik Karlsson.
A month back Karlsson was asked about his standing with the San Jose Sharks and whether or not he'd be open to a move to a contending team at the trade deadline, but he responded as one would and said he was happy in San Jose and didn't want to move.
Mike Grier and the Sharks are well into a rebuild and with several expensive contracts on the books, it's all about trying to get out of as many as you can. Karlsson still has 4 years remaining with a cap hit of $11.5 million and everyone involved understands that salary retention is required. This week, it was reported that the Sharks want 3 first round picks and are willing to retain 18% of Karlsson's contract.
We won't ever get a straight answer from either Grier or Karlsson as to whether or not a trade is likely, so it's going to be all speculation until deadline day. NHL Network analyst, Jackie Redmond, had a sit down conversation with the 2-time Norris Trophy Winner and they discussed his plans for deadline day. Their comments started off with a few jokes about whether or not he'll be watching the coverage and if his ringer would be on or off but then things got a little more serious.
Karlsson was asked about his predicament, since he must've heard all the rumours. His response was what you would expect: "I want to win...I hope I get that opportunity one day...it's not going that way this year... I'm happy where I'm at and it's not something I walk around thinking about... I'm here right now and I'm going to do what I can to be as successful as I can and do what I can to help the team win."
He kept it professional and somewhat open ended, which leaves us all wondering what the Sharks and Karlsson will end up deciding to do. He has said many times that the Sharks haven't asked him to waive his no-trade clause so for now these are all just rumours and speculation.
If and when they do ask him to waive, Karlsson has all the power and leverage. He carries a high cap hit and there are several teams interested including the Ottawa Senators. The market is there but I don't think 18% retention is enough to entice a team unless desperation seeps in. Even then, I doubt the Sharks get the 3 first rounders their seeking.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 14 | 91 ANSWERS Karlsson responds to the trade rumours ahead of deadline day Will Karlsson remain in San Jose or will he agree to waive his NMC for a chance at a Cup? | ||
| He'll stay | 25 | 27.5 % |
| He'll waive and go to a contender | 55 | 60.4 % |
| Not sure yet | 11 | 12.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
