Sharks Karlsson Ready To Reset Career

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson is hopeful the 2022-23 season is his best in California. Ever since the trade from the Ottawa Senators, Karlsson hasn't been able to find his game and be the difference maker the team was hoping for when they sent a mega-package up north.

The Sharks are in full rebuild mode as we've seen with the Brent Burns trade to the Carolina Hurricanes. This however, doesn't appear to be bothering Karlsson who is likely quietly happy to see Burns go so he can have more ice-time when it matters most. Karlsson is as committed as ever, and had this to say recently to The Athletic's Corey Masisak:

No, I committed here a long time ago. It didn't work out the way we wanted it to early on. There's a lot of things that probably played into that. I'm not going to get into details about that. But I am excited for the future here now. I hope we can move in the direction to be successful again. Is that going to be this year? I mean, who knows? But I do think something good can come out of here.I think the injuries that I've had since I got here … some of them probably could have been prevented a little bit, and some of them were just like, things happen. I broke my thumb when (I) blocked a shot. I mean, what are you going to do? That's part of the game. I had some wear and tear where, if we were in a different position where you can take some time off and maybe look after it a little bit different, maybe it doesn't get to the point where you have to have surgery. It is all circumstantial

 Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

The 32-year-old Karlsson has a full no-move clause and five more seasons left on his deal, making $11.5 million annually. In 2021-22 he appeared in 50 games, recording 35 points. The offensive defenseman is hopeful this season he's able to stay healthy and bring his game back to dominating games like we all saw in Ottawa.  

Photo credit:  Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports