Erik Karlsson Reportedly Closing in on Huge Contract With Sharks
By Brendan Azoff
The San Jose Sharks are reportedly finalizing a deal with one of the most prominent unrestricted free agents in the NHL before he even reaches the open market on July 1. Erik Karlsson appears to be staying in San Jose and the team is tossing him a pretty penny to keep him in town.
Further to @TSNBobMcKenzie's report on Erik Karlsson, I'm told the deal is indeed done: 8 years max deal, north of $11 million per season... the Sharks with a huge move in keeping the superstar D from hitting the market.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 17, 2019
The Sharks have numerous players from last year's roster who are free agents, but locking up Karlsson was a top priority heading into the offseason. At eight years and $11 million per season, the Karlsson deal is a replica of the contract Drew Doughty signed in 2018, and is market value for the elite defenseman.
Doughty signed for 13.8 per cent of cap. If ceiling does hit the projected $83 — Karlsson comes in around $11.45.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 17, 2019
Karlsson's hefty contract does limit some of the other moves the Sharks can make, however, as the deal takes up a large chunk of the team's cap space. Considering Joonas Donskoi, Joe Pavelski, Joe Thornton, Kevin Labanc, Timo Meier and Gustav Nyquist are all due new contracts, the Sharks will have to make some moves in order to field a salary cap acceptable roster next season.
Despite all the maneuvering that will have to be done this offseason, the Sharks are taking it one move at a time. You better believe they've kicked things off with a bang, though, by reaching an agreement with their star defenseman.