Erik Karlsson actually showed some flashes of his offensive game getting back to normal but he still can't play a shred of defense.
Doesnt matter who the goalie is, the Sharks do a horrible job protecting the front of the net. Might not be a bad idea to send Brent Burns back up to the wing.
- Mahewman
Yeah - Karlsson looked pretty good for a stretch (don't get me wrong....still not worth the contract). I get the impression that the forwards are often standing around waiting for him to do something and not actively getting open for passes.
Regardless, like you said, his defense is pretty bad and from what I understand he's always relied on a defensive defenseman to make up for his deficiencies (much like Burns). Also doesn't help with this team that the forwards (and to a degree the system) make it damn difficult to break out.
And yeah, if Burns isn't dealt or plucked by Seattle, and Merkley proves to be ready, I'd like to see Burns moved back to the wing.