Erik Karlsson, the talented 32 year old defenseman for the San Jose Sharks, has achieved two impressive franchise records today. With 90 points this season, Karlsson now holds the record for the most points by a defenseman in Sharks history. Additionally, he has set another record with 68 assists, a franchise record for defenseman. With nine games left in the season, Karlsson has ample opportunity to push these records even further.
In 73 games this season, Erik Karlsson has scored 22 goals and provided 66 assists, totaling 90 points. He currently leads all NHL defensemen in points, with the next closest player being Winnipeg’s Josh Morrissey, who has 69 points. Karlsson’s remarkable performance this season has earned him praise from fans and analysts alike.
There was many trade talks with teams trying to acquire Karlsson near the deadline, but a deal was difficult with Karlsson’s $11.5M per season cap hit.
Erik Karlsson joined the San Jose Sharks in the 2018-2019 season after being traded from the Ottawa Senators. “The Senators received a significant return for Karlsson, including forwards Chris Tierney and Rudolfs Balcers, defenseman Dylan DeMelo, the rights to unsigned forward Joshua Norris, a first-round pick in either the 2019 or 2020 NHL Draft, a second-round pick in the 2019 draft, and two conditional draft picks” (via NHL.com).
Erik Karlsson has already won the Norris Trophy for the league’s best defenseman twice in his career, once in the 2011-2012 season and again in the 2014-2015 season. With his outstanding performance this season, fans and hockey pundits are calling for Karlsson to be awarded the prestigious trophy once again.
Erik Karlsson’s record-breaking season with the San Jose Sharks has solidified his position as one of the top defensemen in the NHL after a tough couple seasons dealing with injuries. As he continues to rack up points and assists, Karlsson is poised to set new franchise records and potentially earn his third Norris Trophy. Stay tuned to our hockey blog for the latest updates on Karlsson’s incredible season and other NHL news.
