NHL Rumors: Erik Karlsson Trade Talks ‘Reengaged’ Between Oilers, Sharks

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The San Jose Sharks and Edmonton Oilers have reengaged in trade discussions involving defenseman Erik Karlsson, according to TSN’s Chris Johnston.

There are “considerable financial hurdles” for both teams to make a deal work, Johnston added. However, this is the second time this season the two sides have explored a trade for the veteran.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman initially reported in January that the Oilers and Sharks “had legit conversations” involving Karlsson.

Karlsson is in the midst of a resurgent season following back-to-back disappointing campaigns in San Jose. He ranks first in the NHL among defensemen with 17 goals and 53 assists for 70 points in 53 games.

This is the first time since the 2017-18 campaign, when he was still with the Ottawa Senators, that Karlsson has eclipsed the 60-point mark. The most points he had scored in a season with the Sharks entering this season was the 45 points he tallied during the 2018-19 campaign.

But while Karlsson is producing at an elite level that almost surely will see him capture his third Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman, the Sharks sit seventh in the Pacific Division with a 16-26-11 record.

San Jose’s struggles have led to questions about how much longer Karlsson will want to remain in Silicon Valley and compete for a team that has little chance to make the postseason.

The problem is, the 32-year-old has an $11.5 million per year cap hit through the 2026-27 campaign after signing an eight-year, $92 million deal in June 2019. His cap hit, coupled with the no-movement clause on his contract, makes him a difficult asset to be traded.

Still, the opportunity to add a revitalized Karlsson to their blue line would be a game-changer for the Oilers, who lack that kind of elite talent in their defensive unit. Veteran Tyson Barrie leads Edmonton’s defensemen with seven goals and 28 assists for 35 points in 53 games.

After reaching the Western Conference Final last season, the Oilers are on the cusp of becoming a true title contender.

Edmonton sits second in the Pacific Division with a 30-18-5 record and are just a few pieces away from being a championship-caliber team. Could Karlsson be one of the pieces to help get the Oilers there?