Erik Karlsson accomplished milestone not seen since 1992
Now 32 years old and previously thought to be in steady decline, Erik Karlsson has had a statement season this year for the San Jose Sharks. Tonight, Karlsson solidified an argument for one of the best seasons by a defenceman in the past 25 years.
Scoring his second goal in the contest tonight against the Winnipeg Jets, Erik Karlsson recorded his 100th point on the season.
It's just the sixth time in NHL history a defenceman has recorded 100 points in a season, the first time since Brian Leetch accomplished it in 1992.
With this excellent offensive season, also scoring 25 goals, Karlsson has re-entered Norris Trophy discussion for the first time since leaving the Ottawa Senators. Karlsson previously won the award for league's best defenceman in 2012 and 2015, and could potentially do so again this year, unless voters detract because of defensive analytics and a non-competitive team.
At the trade deadline, it was rumoured that Karlsson could be on the move due to his impressive play on the irrelevant San Jose Sharks. Unfortunately for hockey fans everywhere, a trade never came to completion, and fans never had the opportunity to watch Karlsson on a competitive team once again.
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