Insider says Sharks wanted massive haul from Canadian team for Karlsson last season

The Erik Karlsson sweepstakes came to a close on Sunday after he was dealt from the San Jose Sharks to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a three-team trade involving the Montreal Canadiens.

While the Sharks did retain a portion of Karlsson's salary, 13% to be exact ($1.5 million), they didn't get a massive haul as many were expecting for the reigning Norris Trophy winner.

The Penguins were one of a number of teams that were linked to Karlsson over the last several weeks and even month. Carolina, Seattle and Toronto were all also reportedly in the mix, but according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, another Canadian franchise tried to acquire Karlsson last season.

Friedman said that the Edmonton Oilers were one of the teams interested in Karlsson, but the San Jose Sharks were seeking a massive package which included multiple first round picks. Instead of pursuing Karlsson, the Oilers opted to go for Mattias Ekholm of the Nashville Predators.


General Manager Kyle Dubas has been very busy this summer to keep the Penguins competitive next season and a Stanley Cup contender in a very tough Metropolitan Division. The Penguins missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs this past season for the first time since 2006 and are hoping to avoid the same fate next Spring.