Sharks To Make Erik Karlsson NHL’s Highest Paid Defensemen

The San Jose Sharks have reportedly re-signed star defenseman Erik Karlsson to a deal that would make him the highest-paid defenseman in the NHL, according to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic.

Karlsson’s reported deal will make him the highest-paid defenseman in the NHL, besting the eight-year, $88 million deal signed Drew Doughty with the LA Kings in 2018.

The Sharks acquired Karlsson from the Ottawa Senators in a six-player deal last September ,that also included up to three draft picks. One of those picks was a conditional 2021 second-round pick that San Jose will now have to forfeit to Ottawa due to this re-signing.

This past season, Karrlson tallied 45 points across 54 games and registered a career-low three goals.

Karlsson, 29, is a six-time All-Star and two-time Norris Trophy winner. He was due to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

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