NHL Rumors: Insider Suggests Sharks Will Move Karlsson In Summer

There have been numerous rumours surrounding Erik Karlsson and where he could be traded to this season, but the more likely scenario is he will be on the move in the summer. Pierre LeBrun thinks that the San Jose Sharks will have to wait until the offseason to move their star defenceman, and that seems like the most logical play.

Mid-season trades of that magnitude involve a lot, especially with the cap. In the summer, contracts end and there aren't any games. Teams acquiring the 2022-23 Norris Trophy frontrunner will need to have at least $6-7 million-plus available and a spot on their roster to fit Karlsson.

Moving players out and bringing new players in during the season sometimes messes up team chemistry. It is likely Karlsson will be headed to a team who intends on competing for a Stanley Cup while he is still under contract, so that could throw off this season if that team is in the playoff race.

Karlsson is back to being an elite defenceman now that he is healthy. He is a four-time Norris Trophy finalist and has won two. The last time he was without injury issues was when he was still with the Ottawa Senators in 2017-18. His entire tenure with the Sharks has been up and down, but now they aren't in a place to benefit from his success. If the team were able to move Timo Meier and Karlsson out by the deadline, it would help their chances much more in the race for Connor Bedard or a high draft pick.