The hockey world was rocked on September 13th, when the San Jose Sharks traded three-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The blockbuster deal sent shockwaves throughout the NHL, as Karlsson is one of the most decorated defensemen in the league.
Karlsson was acquired by the Sharks in 2018 in a trade with the Ottawa Senators. In his first season with San Jose, Karlsson put up 45 points in 53 games and was a key contributor to the team’s run to the Western Conference Finals. He followed that up with a solid 2019-20 campaign, recording 45 points in 56 games.
The Penguins, meanwhile, have been looking to bolster their blue line for some time now. With the addition of Karlsson, they have added one of the best defensemen in the league. He is a two-time winner of the Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s best defenseman, and is a five-time All-Star.
The Sharks received a package of players and draft picks in exchange for Karlsson. The package includes forwards Tanner Pearson and Patric Hornqvist, defenseman Erik Gudbranson, and a 2021 first-round pick. The Sharks also received a conditional 2021 third-round pick.
The trade is a win-win for both teams. The Sharks get some much-needed depth up front and on defense, while the Penguins get a bonafide star in Karlsson. It will be interesting to see how Karlsson fits into the Penguins’ system and how he helps them make a run at the Stanley Cup.
Overall, this trade is a huge move for both teams. The Sharks have added some much-needed depth to their roster, while the Penguins have acquired one of the best defensemen in the league. It will be exciting to see how this trade pans out for both teams in the coming years.
