Insider Leaks Shocking Trade Demand For Erik Karlsson to a Canadian Team

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Dawson Mckenzie
August 7, 2023 (6:54 PM)

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NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently reported that San Jose made an absurd ask to the Edmonton Oilers to trade Erik Karlsson.

Karlsson's Stellar Season

Friedman reported that the San Jose Sharks were looking for multiple first-round picks in return for Erik Karlsson. Obviously, the Oilers refused to make that work, potentially indicating that the offer was way too high.

Elliotte Friedman believes the San Jose Sharks originally asked the Edmonton Oilers for «multiple first round picks» when they were interested in Erik Karlsson last season. Obviously, the Oilers didn't want to accommodate and decided to acquire Mattias Ekholm instead, and in the end the Sharks had to settle for a bit less than their original asking price.

Did the Oilers Win or Lose?

Now that we have seen what Karlsson actually went for, and the season he had last year, we can evaluate whether or not the Oilers made a smart move backing off from the deal.

Instead of acquiring Karlsson, the Oilers went with Mattias Ekholm, who put up 14 points in 21 games with the Oilers. More impressively, he was plus 28 with the club.

Karlsson, though, was obviously a better player, winning the Norris Trophy as best defenseman in 2022-23. However, Karlsson was -26 last season. If the Oilers were looking for a stay-at-home defenseman who can get stops, they made the right choice.

However, they may be regretting walking away from the table after seeing what Karlsson actually went for yesterday. It didn't cost multiple first-rounders, and in fact, the Sharks ended up retaining some of his salary.

Whether or not Karlsson will be a good trade for Pittsburgh will be seen this year.

As read on Blades of Steel "Insider says Sharks wanted massive haul from Canadian team for Karlsson last season"