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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on Erik Karlsson's massive contract extension with the San Jose Sharks.
Todd Cordell
I have no problem breaking the bank to keep Karlsson around long-term.
Despite playing through groin injuries and a wonky ankle, Karlsson still managed to tally 45 points in 53 games (~70 points per 82) while posting dominant on-ice numbers. With Karlsson out there at 5v5, the Sharks controlled 59.22% of the shot attempts, 58.88% of the expected goals, and 53.40% of the actual goals, per NaturalStatTrick. Remarkable numbers.
Karlsson also finished 3rd among defensemen in Goals Above Replacement, according to Evolving-Hockey. He's very much elite and worth a massive ticket.
Logan Couture is 30. Evander Kane is 27. Brent Burns is 34. Marc-Edouard Vlasic is 32. Joe Thornton is 39 (he's made it clear it is San Jose or bust for him). Joe Pavelski's future is a little less certain but it's worth noting he is 34.
The Sharks do have some great young players – headlined by Timo Meier and Tomas Hertl – but the bulk of their core is getting up there in age. They need to win in the near future and re-signing Karlsson gives them a significantly better chance of doing so.
If it results in 2-3 years of noticeable overpayment at the end of the deal, so be it.
Peter Tessier
Wow! That's all I can say. With Vlasic and Burns the Sharks had 15 million tied up in two players, now with Karlsson at 11 million it's 26 million and 31.3% of the salary cap.
Karlsson just turned 29, has not been particularly healthy the past two seasons and he's got 8 years secured. This is a risk of epic proportions IMHO. Not because Karlsson isn't worth taking a risk but because of the Sharks and age. They are getting older with bigger contracts to the older players. Couture has 7 more years he's 30, plus Thornton, Nyquist and Pavelski all need deals with an average age of 34 between the three of them. Are the Sharks sacrificing Joe and Joe for Karlsson? If so does that even make sense?
I may be wrong, I want Karlsson of old-the guy was a wonder to watch, but this is the deal that will eventually sink the Sharks and send them back to oblivion unless something else can be done to balance their cap situation.
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