2 Potential Trade Destinations for Sharks' Erik Karlsson

The San Jose Sharks are listening to trade offers for veteran defenseman Erik Karlsson. Management will be patient with their process and eventually will need Karlsson's stamp of approval, as the veteran blueliner has a full no-movement clause. Let's dive into a few teams who will be in the mix for Karlsson's approval:

Ottawa Senators

Yes, the reunion we never expected could be happening. The Senators and Sharks have held preliminary trade discussions and if this deal transpires, look for the Sharks to retain 50% of the defenseman's $11.5 million salary. He's signed through the 2026-27 season and Ottawa will have to pay extra in order to get the Sharks to eat some money. If there's some way the Sens can include Nikita Zaitsev in this trade in order to free up some resources to re-sign Artem Zub and Alex DeBrincat, they'd jump all over it. Ottawa is certainly a team Karlsson and his family are familiar with, so there's some potential he waives his no-movement clause here.

Marek on Erik Karlsson: I wondered about Ottawa.

Friedman: I think those conversations have happened between the Sharks and the Sens, I believe the two teams have talked about it. I don’t know if it’s going to be possible. What I heard was it’s just not going to be cap possible.
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) November 16, 2022

Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings are looking to expedite their rebuild and start filling in some gaps. Karlsson would provide them with a veteran defenseman who can play in all situations and someone who brings experience to the dressing room. Again, the Sharks will have to retain money and they are open to this, along as the package is sweetened enough. With the Red Wings history and current make up of Swedish players, this one does make a ton of sense.

Mike Johnson on TSN talking about possible trade destinations for Erik Karlsson if he decided he wanted to leave San Jose: "Maybe Detroit, they're trying to get better, they have cap space, they have pending UFAs".
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) November 16, 2022

Expect to hear Karlsson trade rumors throughout the next few weeks as the Sharks continue to work the phones. In the end it's the player's decision here and with his family enjoying the California sunshine, it will be tough for them to approve any deal to leave San Jose.

Photo credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports