Looking Back Four Years After The Erik Karlsson Trade

Karlsson was consider one of the best defenders at the time and when the Sharks had Karlsson and Brent Burns the Sharks were believed to be a Western Conference powerhouse.

As for Ottawa, the Senators fans were shocked and disappointed seeing Karlsson move from a place he was adored by fans.

Although neither General Manager could have known it at the time, this would go down as one of the biggest steals in modern National Hockey League history.

First let's look back at what each side got in the deal from September 13th 2018

San Jose Sharks.

D- Erik Karlsson

F - Francis Perron

Ottawa Senators.

F -Chris Tierney

F - Rudolfs Balcers

D - Dylan Demelo

F - Josh Norris

Unprotected first round draft pick at the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.

Sorting out the situation for the Sharks is relatively simple. Karlsson remains a member of the San Jose Sharks because of his massive 8 year contract Karlsson recieved that pays him an insane $11.5 million dollars annually.

If Karlsson would of continued being that Star player this trade might be different but since being acquired by the Sharks, Karlsson has been hampered by injuries that have resulted in him performing below what would normally be expected of a player of his caliber.

As for the Senators they are looking to be a serious threat this upcoming season. Along with developing their prospects they acquired Claude Giroux and Alex DeBrincat.