Erik Karlsson has reportedly signed a blockbuster eight-year contract extension with the San Jose Sharks, which is being reported at over $11 million AAV.
The contract would be the third largest in NHL history.
The news was first reported by TSN’s Bob McKenzie.
All signs are pointing to Erik Karlsson returning to SJ and re-signing with the Sharks, which would take the most prominent name off the 2019 UFA board.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 17, 2019
I would expect Karlsson’s AAV to come in at around $11.5M. https://t.co/RLLv1DoOg7
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 17, 2019
The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun said the deal “is indeed done.”
Further to @TSNBobMcKenzie's report on Erik Karlsson, I'm told the deal is indeed done: 8 years max deal, north of $11 million per season… the Sharks with a huge move in keeping the superstar D from hitting the market.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 17, 2019
The monster contract exceeds Drew Doughty’s eight-year, $88 million extension with the LA Kings which will kick in during the 2019-20 season.
Doughty signed for 13.8 per cent of cap. If ceiling does hit the projected $83 — Karlsson comes in around $11.45.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 17, 2019
Karlsson only played 53 games with the Sharks last season due to a groin injury sustained in January. Karlsson returned in time to help the Sharks’ reach the Western Conference finals, where he racked up 2 goals and 14 assists. However, the injury hampered him and he eventually missed the Game Six against the St. Louis Blues which knocked the Sharks out of the playoffs.
The 29-year old underwent surgery on his groin on June 5.
As a result of the signing, the Ottawa Senators will receive a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft from the Sharks, a condition placed when Karlsson was traded to the Sharks last season.
1:30 pm Update: The San Jose Sharks have officially announced the Karlsson deal. The contract is for 8 years and for $92 million. The $11.5 million cap hit is, according to Stephen Whyno, the highest AAV among defensemen in NHL in the salary cap era. Karlsson also received a full no-trade clause.
“I’m super excited to continue my journey with the Sharks,” Karlsson said in a relase. “Since my first day here, I have only good things to say about the people, organization and the fans. The entire Bay Area has been extremely welcoming to me and my family. I appreciate that and we can’t wait to spend the next eight years in San Jose.
“As far as hockey goes, I’m excited to continue the chase for the ultimate prize: the Stanley Cup. Last year was an unbelievable run but we didn’t achieve what we set out to do. But the dedication I witnessed from my teammates, coaches, staff and organization showed me that we all have a great future ahead of us, and that we are capable of fighting for that championship year in and year out.”
“We are extremely pleased that Erik and his wife Melinda have committed to the San Jose Sharks and that they have done so prior to July 1,” Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said. “Players with Erik’s elite level of talent are rare and when they become available, it’s important to be aggressive in pursuing them. He is a difference maker who consistently makes the players around him better. We are pleased that he has been proactive in addressing his injury from last season and are looking forward to him being part of our organization for a long time to come.”
Signed, sealed, delivered. ✍️ pic.twitter.com/KlUBUF2rU9
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) June 17, 2019
A message from @ErikKarlsson65 to #SharksTerritory! pic.twitter.com/JPjjefKD9S
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) June 17, 2019
He’s a shark baby!! Doo doo doo doo doo doo🦈💙 pic.twitter.com/Iewy21e2zD
— Melinda Karlsson (@MelindaCurrey) June 17, 2019
