San Jose Sharks Trade Rumors: Is Erik Karlsson staying or going?

The San Jose Sharks made their presence active on the market after completing a blockbuster deal involving Timo Meier with the New York Jersey Devils on Sunday (Feb. 26).

After the Timo Meier trade was completed, the focus shifted to Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson, with many fans wondering about his situation as the trade deadline approaches this Friday.

However, in Erik Karlsson's case, a trade before the trade deadline appears unlikely. On Sunday, San Jose Sharks manager Mike Grier spoke to the media about the Timo Meier trade and gave an update on Karlsson's situation.

"Grier, Karlsson: "At this time, I'm anticipating he's here for the rest of the season." But says if someone wants him, where there's a will, there's a way."- Sheng Peng

Erik Karlsson is expected to remain with the team this season, according to Grier. The Sharks camp expects Karlsson to remain with the team, and we can expect the 33-year-old defenseman to remain in San Jose beyond the trade deadline.

However, the Sharks are still open to holding trade-related talks with the clubs for Karlsson's services. As reported earlier, the only obstacle that is slowing down the trade is Karlsson's $11.5 million contract.

The Edmonton Oilers were among the heavy favorites to get the deal completed. To make this deal go through, the Oilers will need to bring Karlsson's contract down to $7 million and the Sharks would need to eat up $4-5 million out of his contract. However, General Manager Mike Grier is only willing to retain between $2-3 million.

The Florida Panthers were another team linked to Karlsson, but the trade talks did not generate much traction. Erik Karlsson, on the other hand, is having his best season yet. He has 77 points (19 goals, 58 assists) in 60 games this season. He is also leading the race to win the Norris Trophy as the best defenseman of the season.

San Jose Sharks completed a blockbuster Timo Meier deal with New Jersey Devils

On Sunday (February 26), the San Jose Sharks finally traded Timo Meier to the New York Jersey Devils in a blockbuster deal and received multiple draft picks as part of the deal.

San Jose Sharks Receives: 2023 first-round selection, Conditional 2024 first-round selection, Shakir Mukhamaddullin (D), Fabian Zetterlund (F), Nikita Okhotiuk (D), Andreas Johnson (F), and 2024 seventh-round selection.

New Jersey Devils Receives: Timo Meier (F), Scott Harrington (D), Santeri Hataka (D), Timur Ibragimov (D), Zach Emond (G), and Colorado's 2024 fifth-round selection.

This season, the New Jersey Devils are the NHL's third-best team. The pieces they added to their roster at the trade deadline have elevated the Devils to a legitimate playoff opponent.