Shane Seney of The Leafs Nation offered this trade proposal that would sure be a major splash for Toronto.
Seney argues that the move is beneficial to the Leafs to take on Karlsson, who with retained salary would be making $5.75M until 2026-27, until the age of 37.
Karlsson, 33, has had more than a rebound year. The 2x Norris winner is a finalist for this year's best Defenseman award, having redeemed himself as a forgotten man in San Jose following years as one of the best players in the league in Ottawa, having scored a whopping 101 Points for the San Jose Sharks this season. Karlsson would for sure bring an offensive punch to the Leafs defensive group, although if he'll put up high-impact numbers again heading into his mid-30s is the question.
Karlsson has already been reported as being expected to leave San Jose, with the Sharks looking for a trade partner for the Defenseman, with Karlsson willing on a move to a playoff contender, with San Jose near the bottom of the NHL's standings, appearing to be setting the stage for a rebuild.
In return, Toronto gives up a top young Defenseman in Liljegren, who had 6 Goals and 18 Points in 67 Games. Although his defensive game has seen some improvement, the 24-year-old could be on the move for a shift in his chances, giving him a potential breakout with more minutes in San Jose. Murray gives the Sharks a replacement for former Leaf James Reimer, who will become a free agent. Neimela and Hirvonen are top prospects who are expected to make the jump to North America soon.
One difficulty in this deal is inserting a major contract into this lineup in Karlsson, even with salary retained. Trying to re-sign the core-four forward group of Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Mitch Marner & William Nylander, the Leafs add another hefty salary while already trying to get their stars re-signed. For Toronto, they'd have to decide if the price is enough for a 33-year-old on a career year with an Inconsistent few years, and for San Jose, they'll have to ask if the return is enough for a team looking for a proper retooling of their squad.
As seen on The Leafs Nation - The Maple Leafs should make this trade offer to the San Jose Sharks for Erik Karlsson
POLL | ||
JUIN 26 | 115 ANSWERS Leafs media makes ridiculous trade offer involving Erik Karlsson to Toronto Is this a fair trade proposal? | ||
Yes | 31 | 27 % |
No way! | 84 | 73 % |
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