Erik Karlsson trade rumors: These three contenders could make run at Norris Trophy winner

San Jose Sharks D Erik Karlsson had a historic season, scoring over 100 points as a defenseman and winning his third Norris Trophy in his career. Despite all his career accomplishments, none of them have been satisfying. Karlsson has expressed that he would like to play for a contender the rest of his career and chase a Stanley Cup title. Pierre LeBrun of TSN is reporting that three contending teams are interested in Karlsson: the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes and Seattle Kraken.

So, now to unpack how this deal for each team even gets done. First of all, the Sharks are almost definitely retaining some salary in a deal, particularly one to a contender. Maybe the Kraken are able to swing the deal without needing to have San Jose take on salary. Karlsson has four years remaining on his deal with an average annual salary of $11.5 million.

We'll start with Toronto, which is almost always in the news and rumor mill. Many media members and fans are speculating as to which player the Leafs should move on from. William Nylander has been a name in those conversations for what feels like a while now. He's 27 years old and in the final year of his contract worth $6.9 million annually. Nylander would be a very appealing piece to expedite the Sharks rebuild. San Jose can also pay Nylander whatever he wants on an extension.

This will never happen but Auston Matthews needs a new deal and Mitch Marner has been referenced in rumors. A straight up trade for Karlsson seems nutty but could line up. Karlsson is 33 years old and could start to regress but he also just posted 101 points on a very bad Sharks team. The Maple Leafs desperately need help on the blue line, particularly someone who can move the puck and drive offense.

  
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