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.

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

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.

Signed, sealed, delivered. ✍️ pic.twitter.com/KlUBUF2rU9

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) June 17, 2019

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