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Erik Karlsson wants a trade as soon as possible: ‘I want to win’

Griffin Crest / NHL / June 26, 2023

Erik Karlsson wants a trade as soon as possible: ‘I want to win’

Earlier in the 2022-23 season, San Jose Sharks’ Erik Karlsson expressed the desire about wanting to be shipped off to a contender before the NHL trade deadline. Fast forward to late June, he still has the same mindset. The Norris Trophy finalist has continued his wanting for a trade by doubling down in wanting to win.

“I’ve played with too many guys throughout my career that are amazing players and should be winners and should have won that never did,” Karlsson said at the 2023 NHL Awards media day at Bridgestone Arena on Sunday. “I don’t want to be that guy. I want to win. That’s not to say that I’m going to win. I want an opportunity to win. If that opportunity is not in San Jose right now within my timeline, then that’s just the unfortunate part of business. That’s not to say that I don’t like it there or they don’t want me there or we don’t want this to work. It’s just that’s just the way it is.”

(All quotes via NHL Press Release.)

In this upcoming season, Karlsson will be seeing his bankroll at its highest amount in his current contract with the Sharks. The now 33-year-old defenseman signed an eight-year deal with the Sharks back in 2019. Now, that eight-year deal with the Sharks is looking confusing for Karlsson. But on the bright side, Karlsson has a full non-movement clause in his contract.

Erik Karlsson Deserves The 2022-23 Norris Trophy

“I came to San Jose and I signed there to win,” Karlsson said. “Things didn’t unfold the way we wanted to. If I have to do that again and move my family somewhere else, I will because I play this sport to win. It’s not going to be pleasant, it’s not going to be easy, but I will make whatever decision I have to make that I think is best for my professional career.”

“You just have to make the playoffs and you have a chance to win,” he said. “Look at Florida. They shouldn’t have made the playoffs. They did, and they went to the Cup Final. We all thought Boston was going to win. There are no guarantees. I just want a chance.”

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