Two serious offers have been made for star D-man Erik Karlsson and it would be major

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MarcO
February 17, 2023 (5:08 PM)

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Defenseman Erik Karlsson is having an absolutely fantastic season with the San Jose Sharks. He's heading towards a 100 point season, which hasn't happened for a defenseman since Brian Leetch in 1991-92, and we're seeing the Karlsson of the good old days with the Ottawa Senators.

And since his team will certainly be among the sellers between now and the trade deadline, there are more and more trade rumors concerning the Swedish defenseman and as Marc-Olivier Cook of Danslescoulisses.com reports, Sharks general manager Mike Grier's phone is very active right now.

Even as tipster David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period suggests that two serious offers are currently on the table to acquire Karlsson.

And let's just say that for the team that would like to add him to its defensive squad, the price will be exorbitant, no less.

We know that the Edmonton Oilers offer was revealed earlier this week, but Pagnotta did not go into detail about the other offer, nor the identity of the team in question, but one thing he was able to confirm is that both offers include (at least) two first round picks.

The Oilers' proposal would include, according to an Edmonton reporter, a first round pick in 2023, defenseman Evan Bouchard, Quebec prospect Xavier Bourgeault and two contracts to make room on the payroll, including Tyson Barrie.

On the other hand, Ken Holland has very little money on the payroll and Karlsson is under contract until 2027 at an annual salary of $11.5 million.

Let's just say that this could slow down other teams that would like to acquire Erik Karlsson, who is having the season of his career with 73 points, including 18 goals in 54 games.

But the Sharks currently sit in seventh place in the Pacific Division and are 16 points out of a playoff spot. With that in mind, the Sharks are likely to be sellers at the trade deadline, but it will be interesting to monitor the Erik Karlsson situation between now and March 3.