Sharks Reportedly Make Huge Offer to Erik Karlsson in Hopes of Keeping Him in San Jose

The NHL season is officially over after the St. Louis Blues hoisted their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. However, that means it's the beginning of the offseason, where the entire landscape of the league can change in the span of a day.

Defenseman Erik Karlsson is set to become an unrestricted free agent, but the San Jose Sharks are looking to avoid that.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman's latest "31 Thoughts" column, the Sharks are prepared to make an offer to Karlsson that could be equal to or greater than the contract Drew Doughty received with the Los Angeles Kings.

Friedman in his 31 Thoughts column says the #SJSharks have made an offer to Erik Karlsson that will challenge if not surpass Drew Doughty's deal. Conversations have intensified and Friedman believes San Jose has a shot at keeping him.
— NHL Prospects Watcher (@Prospects_Watch) June 17, 2019

Interestingly enough, the talks between Karlsson and the Sharks have intensified, with Friedman expressing his belief that he will stay in San Jose.

In case you're unfamiliar with Doughty's deal, the Kings signed him to an eight-year, $88 million contract last offseason, making him the highest-paid defenseman in the NHL.

31 Thoughts: Emptying the notebook from the Stanley Cup Final, followed by news you can (hopefully) use. https://t.co/b0IOvQsBcL
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 15, 2019

Just weeks ago, reports indicated that Karlsson was hoping for competitive offers from his former team in the Ottawa Senators and the Montreal Canadiens, as he wanted to play near his family.

This past season, Karlsson recorded 45 points (3 goals, 42 assists), a plus/minus of 6, and an average ice-time of 24:29. In the postseason, Karlsson shined with 2 goals and 14 assists.

As with anything, money can certainly change an athlete's mind. Will Karlsson buy in? Or will he look to sign long-term with a team like Ottawa or Montreal?