NHL Rumors: Sharks Mulling 2 Trade Offers for Erik Karlsson

The San Jose Sharks are engaged in trade talks surrounding Norris trophy winner Erik Karlsson. While the Toronto Maple Leafs were heavily involved around the NHL Draft, it does sound like those talks have quieted down since the Leafs signed John Klingberg. The Sharks however, continue to discuss a deal and two teams who are active in talks include the Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins.

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period has the latest he's hearing out of Carolina on Karlsson:

The Carolina Hurricanes have been very active this offseason, and more moves might be on the way.

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Meanwhile the Penguins have been on the Sharks heels all summer as Kyle Dubas is looking to make yet another splash early on in Pittsburgh. San Jose is willing to retain salary but to this point it's only 30% or so. There's lots of variables involved in any Karlsson deal, however the Hurricanes need to move out money first and move out Brett Pesce specifically. The Penguins on the other hand could send Marcus Pettersson and Mikael Granlund in the trade to San Jose and help counteract the salary coming in from Karlsson.

Sharks GM Mike Grier has his hands full this offseason as it's not often you see a defenseman win the Norris and be moved just weeks later. Karlsson isn't interested in a rebuild and wants to only be traded to legit Cup contenders. If he ends up on either the 'Canes or Pens, there's no doubt their chances go way up after the trade.

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