Steve Palumbo: Time to close the book on Erik Karlsson's time in teal

I just can’t see them back in the WCF next year without EK. Burns is 34 and Vlasic had a pretty bad regular season, they won’t be getting any better. Yes the money and term will probably suck to re-sign EK, but it’s all about those first 1-3 years where they can compete at a high level, hopefully with a healthy EK. It was nice to see some young guys step it up this year.

I hope that SJ re-signs EK because I don't want him going to the Rangers!

I just can’t see them back in the WCF next year without EK. Burns is 34 and Vlasic had a pretty bad regular season, they won’t be getting any better. Yes the money and term will probably suck to re-sign EK, but it’s all about those first 1-3 years where they can compete at a high level, hopefully with a healthy EK. It was nice to see some young guys step it up this year.
- Zupes

Time to retool a bit then. Go with some kids and see how it gets done.

I don't know why everybody raves about EK, he has always been rotten defensively, the voters for the Norris have always been for offense not defense, this has been this way since Bobby Orr came on the scene. The trophy is literally a joke for defense and EK is a joke, period. This is just another case of Doug Wilson getting fleeced, might really be time for him to be going also.

Time to retool a bit then. Go with some kids and see how it gets done.
- Aaron_85

that's a difficult thing to do when you trade all your picks away though

Healthy EK 65 IS one of the top 3 players in the game.

Even injured the guy is great. His defensive game is lights out good.

If holland can make it happen in edmonton. Tough with the cap issues but worth a shot.

Some sour grapes there me thinks.....the Pieterangelo variety.....perhaps with a hint of Shattenkirk.

Maybe you'll win a prettier trophy this year than the one your boys failed to win because of EK.

How much cap space would San Jose have if they don't sign EK and the two Joe's? Because of age and injuries I think they should let all three walk

Best team eber assembled?? Okay Tanner

I don't know why everybody raves about EK, he has always been rotten defensively, the voters for the Norris have always been for offense not defense, this has been this way since Bobby Orr came on the scene. The trophy is literally a joke for defense and EK is a joke, period. This is just another case of Doug Wilson getting fleeced, might really be time for him to be going also.
- IBleedBlu1

That 2017 run with the Sen s was the greatest I have ever seen a DMan play in my lifetime.

If the Sharks re-sign Karlsson, they will also receive a conditional 2021 second-round draft pick from the Sens

If they re-sign Karlsson, SJ gives up a conditional 2nd, they don't receive one from Ottawa.

the condition is irrelevant at this point....it would have changed to a 1st of SJ made the cup finals.

I don't know why everybody raves about EK, he has always been rotten defensively, the voters for the Norris have always been for offense not defense, this has been this way since Bobby Orr came on the scene. The trophy is literally a joke for defense and EK is a joke, period. This is just another case of Doug Wilson getting fleeced, might really be time for him to be going also.
- IBleedBlu1

spoken as someone who has probably only seen him play 2-3 times....if ever.

he isn't GREAT defensively.....but he's an above average defender. he doesn't stand in front of the net and clear people out, but his positioning is exceptional, and he's almost always near the top of the league in takeaways.

people always just assume if you're a good puck mover, you suck defensively.....they never actually, you know, watch the player.

I don't know why everybody raves about EK, he has always been rotten defensively, the voters for the Norris have always been for offense not defense, this has been this way since Bobby Orr came on the scene. The trophy is literally a joke for defense and EK is a joke, period. This is just another case of Doug Wilson getting fleeced, might really be time for him to be going also.
- IBleedBlu1

All but 1 year in his career hes been horrendous in his own zone

spoken as someone who has probably only seen him play 2-3 times....if ever.

he isn't GREAT defensively.....but he's an above average defender. he doesn't stand in front of the net and clear people out, but his positioning is exceptional, and he's almost always near the top of the league in takeaways.

people always just assume if you're a good puck mover, you suck defensively.....they never actually, you know, watch the player.
- sensarmy_11

He hangs his goalie out to dry many times every single game.

If holland can make it happen in edmonton. Tough with the cap issues but worth a shot.
- oil90

Fcking dreamer, you guys did your big signing with Nygaard. Thats the extent of Oilers big splurge.

Erik Karlsson has been very consistent the last couple of years that his intention is to hit free agency and that it's something he's earned. He's not saying he's coming back to SJ because he is looking forward to the process of being able to consider everything and anything.

There is nothing wrong with that. It will be interesting to see how far teams are willing to go with him coming of both the heal issues and the down year. Certainly SJ should have been a place he could have thrived. But you can always bet some GM will go full steam ahead.

Supposedly he's made comments about wanting to play with Hedman in TB.

Personally, I've been hoping for SJ to win a cup ever since we traded Chris Terreri.

Florida will probably sign all 3 of Bob - Breadman and EK and win the cup..

Florida will probably sign all 3 of Bob - Breadman and EK and win the cup..
- dozerD10

Don’t think Mike Hoffman and EK can co-exist

Don’t think Mike Hoffman and EK can co-exist
- OneKaneOneCup

Right you are. Forgot about that little dustup

Fcking dreamer, you guys did your big signing with Nygaard. Thats the extent of Oilers big splurge.
- Kevin R

Just like nygaard im sure he would pick the oilers over the flames...something u must be used to by now....second fiddle.

The question is: what kind of health will EK65 have over the length of his new contract. Would I want him back? All Day Long. His exceptional skill was on full display this year (when he was healthy) and even when he wasn't getting results in the first 20 games, it was evident how great he is. While he does make mistakes defensively, he always hustled back to his spot to try to correct them. Contrast that to the defensive disaster that is Brent Burns. When Burns is beaten, he often stands and watches the play for 2-3 seconds before making an adjustment. A healthy EK65 allowed Dillon to blossom this year when they were paired together and allowed Vlasic and Braun to reunite and play better as they know each other so well.

A forgotten piece here is the injury to Simek and how it was a more damaging blow that people thought. Simek played a tough stay at home D (who also showed O Zone skills )and forced Burns to play just his side. Paired with Ryan or anyone else, Burns slacked off more on D.

EK65 can't be replaced. It will take time for Ferraro to get up to speed and the jury is out on Merkely. Jumbo will play 1 more year at a very friendly cap hit. Meier will sign a bridge deal. If Pavs trust DW, he will sign a 2 year deal, knowing that he will be rewarded after that. A 2 year deal allows DW to consider him a UFA for the Seattle expansion draft and be able to protect another player. Pays can then sign with SJ after the draft for his 3rd year. Also, the Paul Martin buyout money expires at the end of next season and along with a 5% Cap Escalator, we will have more money to spend on needs.We need a winger to replace Nyquist and we should sign Donskoii to a reasonable cap number of around $2mm.Kane played the playoffs like he had a separated shoulder..he was pretty much a non factor and a big disappointment.

There's no one in the system coming to be a savior. Your best chances are Chemelevski and Chekovich as wingers. Gambrell looks like he is a 3rd line Center for now.

I'd sign EK65 and the advantage we have is term. Tampa Bay won't sign him because they are up against the cap. Dallas has the advantage of zero state income tax and are better than the Rangers. We have 1-2 more years of an open Cup window and then....

Best team eber assembled?? Okay Tanner
- Hardbalz

The best Sharks team, it’s pretty clear that’s what he said.[/img]

Right you are. Forgot about that little dustup
- dozerD10

Karlssons were just as bad as Hoffman and S/O...