3 Reasons the Sharks Had No Choice but to Give Erik Karlsson the Big Bucks

The San Jose Sharks and Erik Karlsson have agreed on a monster deal that will keep the former two-time Norris Trophy winner in the Bay Area for the next eight years, paying him north of $11 million annually. There were plenty of rumors as to where Karlsson would sign in free agency, and it never seemed as if the Sharks were at the top of the list, but with a huge contract from a Stanley Cup contender is on the table, it's hard to turn down. All told, here's why San Jose needed to make him the highest-paid defenseman in the NHL and keep him in NorCal long-term.

3. Fan Favorite in San Jose After One Season

St Louis Blues v San Jose Sharks - Game One / Christian Petersen

In just one injury-riddled season with the Sharks, Karlsson became one of, if not the, most beloved players by the fans of San Jose. From his play on the ice, to his participation in the NHL All-Star Game in the Shark Tank, the local fans fell in love with their new top two defenseman. If the Sharks didn't give him a huge payday, he would have surely left and the fan base may have never gotten over the short time they had with one of the NHL's best defensemen of the last decade.

2. Hopes of a Stanley Cup

San Jose Sharks v St Louis Blues - Game Three / Dilip Vishwanat

The Sharks' roster was pretty stacked heading into September of last year, and they were considered a bubble team with a long-shot chance of winning the Stanley Cup. Then, they acquired this six-time All-Star and became one of the favorites up and down the league. The Sharks have a legit chance to win the big one next season, in large part due to having a guy like Karlsson on their roster teaming up with Brent Burns. The ceiling is high for San Jose next season regardless of what else they do this summer.

1. After All, He's Erik Karlsson

2019 Honda NHL All-Star Game / Bruce Bennett

Regardless of the injuries, he is still the best defenseman in the NHL when he is healthy, even when he is playing hurt, which happens a lot come postseason. No matter how you slice it, Karlsson is still a top blue-liner in this league. If the Sharks had allowed him to walk after one single season, they would surely regret the decision shortly after due to the talent, leadership, will to win, skill, and locker room presence the the star defenseman brings to the table.