Two-time Norris Trophy winner officially hits the trading block

The Sharks currently sit in 6th place in the Pacific Division with a 5-9-3 record, are coming off 2 straight seasons where they have finished 6th in their division, and even came in last place in the Pacific Division 3 years ago. All of that coming off the heels of a Conference Finals loss in 2018-19 and a run of making the playoffs in 14 of 15 seasons.

Newly minted Sharks GM Mike Grier is looking for ways to alleviate their dreadful salary cap situation and after trading Brent Burns to the Carolina Hurricanes over the off-season, star defenseman Erik Karlsson might be next.

When asked about Karlsson on Tuesday, Grier said: "I'll listen, but at the end of the day, too, a lot will depend on Erik... 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."

Karlsson picked the best time to have a renaissance season as he currently has 10 goals and 22 points in 17 games. While he is signed through the 2026-27 season at a $11.5 million cap hit, he also holds a full no-movement clause. The Sharks will most likely have to retain part of the salary as they did with the Brent Burns trade if they hope to move him.

He may be 32 years old but he's playing at an elite level again and has previously been at the forefront of trade rumours.

Grier added that: "...maybe there's a scenario where a team comes asking for him in a trade because I do think he's a difference maker. He's someone who can go out there and win you a game - or win you a series, for that matter - so maybe something will come up down the road. We'll see."

It'll all come down to Karlsson and how he feels about moving, but I can't envision that with 4 years remaining after this season, that he wouldn't want a chance to compete for a Stanley Cup with a true contender.