Senators Trade Erik Karlsson to the Sharks

Photo: Nils Petter Nilsson (Getty)

It comes about a half-season too late, but longtime Senators blue-line rock Erik Karlsson is finally getting the hell out of the ruins of Ottawa. He’s getting dealt to the Sharks for kids and draft picks, and he’ll play the final season of his contract in San Jose before hitting a lucrative payday in unrestricted free agency. If the Sharks don’t lock him up long-term first:

If you can wrap your head around the fact that the Sens fell from Cup contenders to total disaster zone in less than a year, this is a reasonably decent deal for all involved. (Remember, for Ottawa, this is the return for a single year of Karlsson; they were never going to re-sign him.) Tierney had an encouraging 40-point season last year, but he and DeMelo are already in their mid-20s and likely destined to be filler bodies while the Senators rebuild. Norris, however, is a teenager, a 2017 first-round pick, and made solid contributions to Michigan’s Frozen Four team last year, while Balcers is a formerly unheralded Latvian 21-year-old who has yet to hit the ice in the NHL but killed it for the Sharks’ minor-league team last year, leading the AHL’s Barracuda in goals and points.

The Sharks in return get young Frances Perron, who probably isn’t that good, but they also receive a two-time Norris Trophy winner who, despite some injury concerns, still ranks among the absolute best two-way defensemen in the game. For an aggressive Sharks team that’s made big moves in 2018—including a trade for Evander Kane and the long-term signing of Logan Couture—Karlsson is a more than solid consolation prize after the franchise missed out on John Tavares this offseason. Almost as sweet, they also get to screw over division rivals Vegas, who reportedly wanted Karlsson too.

Karlsson wins the most, however, because he’s off an embarrassingly mismanaged and toxic Sens organization and onto a team that’s starting to believe that it could maybe (just maybe) gun for a Cup, with some more relaxing weather to boot. This Karlsson deal may not be quite as earth-shaking as, for example, a move to the Lightning could have been. But it’s about damn time Karlsson played someplace relevant again. Barring some major fuck-up in the upcoming season, he’ll be back in the playoffs where he belongs.

The San Jose Sharks acquired the two-time Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Erik Karlsson from the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, making a blockbuster addition to the roster after missing out on the high-scoring center John Tavares in free agency.

General Manager Doug Wilson stood pat for most of the summer after Tavares signed with the Toronto Blue Jays before pouncing when another superstar was available the day before San Jose opened training camp. Karlsson joins one of the top defensive groups in the league alongside the 2017 Norris Trophy winner Brent Burns and the shutdown defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic.

“It’s extremely rare that players of this caliber become available,” Wilson said. “The word ‘elite’ is often thrown around casually, but Erik’s skill set and abilities fit that description like few other players in today’s game. With Erik, Brent Burns and Marc-Edouard Vlasic, we feel we have three of the N.H.L.’s top defensemen and stand as a better team today than we were yesterday.”

San Jose is sending the Senators a first-round pick in 2019 or 2020, a second-round pick in 2019, forwards Chris Tierney, Josh Norris and Rudolfs Balcers, defenseman Dylan DeMelo and two conditional draft picks. The Sharks also get forward Francis Perron.

After a long summer of speculation, the Ottawa Senators have traded captain Erik Karlsson to the San Jose Sharks.

The return includes several picks and prospects. In exchange for Karlsson, the Senators receive four players — forward Chris Tierney, defenceman Dylan DeMelo, and forward prospects Josh Norris and Rudolfs Balcers — as well as a first-round draft pick (2019 or 2020) and a second-round pick in 2019. If the Sharks miss the playoffs in 2018-19, that first-rounder will be in 2019; otherwise, it’s a 2020 first-round pick that will go to Ottawa.

In addition, there are also two conditional picks involved:

The Sharks also acquired forward prospect Francis Perron in the trade.

“Erik is an exceptional hockey player whose skills delighted our fans for the past nine years,” general manager Pierre Dorion said in the Senators’ press release. “We thank him for his dedication to hockey, and we wish him all the best.”

Karlsson had spent his entire career with the Senators since being drafted by the organization in 2008, 15th overall.

The 28-year-old has won two Norris Trophies and has led Ottawa to within a goal of the Stanley Cup Final, ultimately losing in overtime of Game 7 to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2017.

He has just one year remaining on his contract and is scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency on July 1. With the Senators organization unravelling over the course of the 2017-18 season and suffering significant turmoil this off-season, it appeared unlikely that the slick-skating blue-liner would be in Ottawa much longer.

“It’s extremely rare that players of this caliber become available,” Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said in the team’s press release. “The word ‘elite’ is often thrown around casually but Erik’s skillset and abilities fit that description like few other players in today’s game. With Erik, Brent Burns and Marc-Edouard Vlasic, we feel we have three of the NHL’s top defencemen and stand as a better team today than we were yesterday. We are thrilled to welcome Erik and his wife, Melinda, to San Jose.”

“Ultimately, to acquire a player like this, you have to give to get and we are losing some quality players but also some very good people,” Wilson continued. “All of the players leaving our organization have a very bright future in this league and we wish them all the best.”

The Senators are entering a full rebuild, with owner Eugene Melnyk announcing his intentions to bring plenty of fresh faces into the lineup in the coming seasons during a sit-down interview with defenceman Mark Borowiecki released by the team earlier this week.

The video only furthered speculation around Karlsson’s relationship with the team, as Melnyk did not include a single mention of the captain as he spoke of the club’s vision for the future.

Karlsson scored nine goals (his lowest full-season total) and registered 53 assists for 62 points in 71 games in 2017-18. In 627 career regular season games over nine seasons with Ottawa, he has tallied 126 goals and 518 points.

Tierney, 24, is coming off a career-best year with the Sharks which saw him score 17 goals and 40 points in 82 games in 2017-18. The Keswick, Ont., native has registered 41 goals and 104 points in 284 career regular season NHL games since being drafted in the second round (55th overall) in 2012.

“Chris has everything we want in a Senator. He’s talented, hard-working, and a strong leader,” Dorion said in the team’s release. “He is coming into his own as an NHL player and his best years are in front of him.”

DeMelo, 25, is also coming off his best season, with 20 assists to his name through 63 games last season while providing depth on defence.

“Dylan is a strong, determined player. He is a competitor and made significant strides last season. He will fit in well with our style of play,” Dorion said.

Norris was the Sharks’ first-round pick (19th overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft, and is known for his two-way game and production. We saw that last season during his freshman campaign with the NCAA’s Michigan Wolverines when he tallied 23 points in 67 games, as well as during his time representing the United States on the international stage.

Balcers was selected by the Sharks in the fifth round (No. 142 overall) of the 2015 draft. The 21-year-old winger led the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda in goals (23) and points (48) as a rookie last season.

“Rudolfs has excellent puck stills and possesses an outstanding shot, with a great release. He is a dynamic player that wants to have the puck and has exceptional quickness,” said Dorion.

Erik Karlsson had to go.

He was too good for the Ottawa Senators.

At least for an Ottawa Senators team owned by Eugene Melnyk.

A different person calling the shots might have taken a different approaching in the handling of the most valuable asset the franchise has ever owned. He could have seen Karlsson as a player that comes along once in a generation and built around him. He may have decided to spend to the ceiling of the salary cap and taken a serious run at the Stanley Cup during Karlsson’s prime years.

But Melnyk can not or will not operate this way. He told us during his fool on the hill rant in front of the Parliament buildings seven months ago. He said there and then that he was going to run the team by keeping a “direct relationship” between revenues and players’ salaries, and that “even $68 million” was too much over the Senators revenue base.

The most recent post on CapFriendly has the Senators projected with a cap hit of $70,800,833 for the upcoming season, with a slew of players set to become UFA’s in July.

Karlsson priced himself out of the Senators budget the moment he said he was going to get what he’s worth upon the expiration of his current contract.

If they offered him $10 million a season it was done knowing he wouldn’t take it when Drew Doughty just signed for $11 million a season with the Los Angeles Kings. Karlsson has outscored Doughty by 96 points while playing 143 fewer games, and he also has a 2-1 lead on him in Norris Trophies.

No way was he going to accept $1 million a year less.

Years ago, Karlsson was unhappy with something I wrote about him. I tried to talk to him about it, but he walked away. When I asked his friend Robin Lehner to pass along some clarification, I was told it was useless.

“Erik is very stubborn,” said Lehner.

Hence, if he had his mind set on becoming the highest paid defenceman in the NHL, he was going to become the highest paid defenceman in the NHL.

And deservingly so, for what he has accomplished to date.

The big question is, what kind of player is Karlsson going to be for the next seven or eight years?

He didn’t win the Hart, but I still think he was the most valuable player in the league during the 2016-17 season, when he he had 71 points in 77 games and followed it up with 18 points in 19 playoff games.

He was outstanding defensively as he was offensively.

Karlsson was a different player last season, however.

Was it because of the ankle injury? Perhaps. He didn’t have the same explosive jump while pushing off his left foot. The strength wasn’t there for him to win as many D-zone battles.

OTTAWA, ON - June 20, 2008 -First round draft pick for the Ottawa Senators Erik Karlsson during the NHL 2008 Entry Draft held in Ottawa, Friday, June 20, 2008 Jean Levac/Postmedia

-SEPT16th/2009-OTTAWA-Daniel Alfredsson and new Ottawa Senator Erik Karlsson together at Alfie House--In Ottawa Bruno Schlumberger/Postmedia

JUNE 30, 2009 - - Erik Karlsson goes through drills during the first day of Senators development camp for draft picks at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, June 30, 2009. Jean Levac/Postmedia

OTTAWA, ONT.-AUGUST 31, 2009- Ottawa Senator rookie Erik Karlsson sticks out his tongue while taking part in an informal skate at the Bell Sensplex. Wayne Cuddington/Postmedia

RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 29: Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators and Team Staal arrives at the NHL All-Star red carpet part of 2011 NHL All-Star Weekend on January 29, 2011 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Harry How/Getty Images

OTTAWA, ON: MARCH 13, 2012 -- Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators arrives at the train station prior to boarding the train to Montreal. The Ottawa Senators will take part in the Operation Montreal - Heritage Train trip to Montreal. A group of 280 people, including the entire Senators team, management, partners and fans, will board a Via Rail train and travel to Montreal in advance of Ottawa's game against the Montreal Canadiens on March 14 at the Bell Centre. In honour of the trip, the team will wear its heritage uniform during the March 14 game. Jean Levac/Postmedia

APRIL 20, 2010- Daniel Alfredsson leaves the bench while Chris Campoli, 14, Erik Karlsson, 65, and coach Cory Clouston have glum looks at the buzzer for the end of the third period as the Ottawa Senators meet the Pittsburgh Penguins at Scotiabank Place in game 4 of the Eastern Conference NHL playoffs. /Postmedia

Ottawa Senators' Erik Karlsson takes part in practice at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa on Wednesday, May 8, 2013. The Senators lead their playoff series 3-1 against the Montreal Canadiens. Sean Kilpatrick/THE CANADIAN PRESS

Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65), of Sweden, skates against New Jersey Devils center Sergey Kalinin (51), of Russia, during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016, in Newark, N.J. Julio Cortez/AP

The Ottawa Senators took part in their first day of training camp at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa Ontario Thursday Sept 17, 2015. Tony Caldwell/Postmedia

Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators talks about the passing of assistant coach Mark Reeds at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, April 14, 2015. Jean Levac/Ottawa Citizen

Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson holds one of the dogs attending Hopeful Hearts dog rescue fundraising dinner at Salt restaurant on Preston st. on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014. James Park/Ottawa Citizen

Erik Karlsson listens to assistant coach Dave Cameron as the Ottawa Senators practice at Canadian Tire Centre. Assignment - 118750 // Photo taken at 12:03 on October 23, 2014. Wayne Cuddington/Postmedia

Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators practices during morning skate at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, September 24, 2014. Jean Levac/Postmedia

OTTAWA, ONTARIO: SEPTEMBER 16, 2011 -- Ottawa Senator Erik Karlsson as the NHL team goes through medicals and fitness testing September 16, 2011 at Scotiabank Place on the first day of training camp. Wayne Cuddington/Ottawa Citizen

Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators celebrates his shootout goal against the New Jersey Devils at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, April 10, 2014. For Ottawa Citizen story by , SPORTS Assignment #116698 Jean Levac/Postmedia

Erik Karlsson. Jean Levac/Postmedia

Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators during practice at the Bell Sensplex. Jean Levac/Postmedia

OTTAWA, ON: NOVEMBER 20, 2013 - Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators shows his dejection after the goal by Dany Heatley of the Minnesota Wild during second period of NHL action at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, November 20, 2013. Photo by Jean Levac/Ottawa Citizen For Ottawa Citizen story by , SPORTS Assignment #115212 ORG XMIT: POS1311202037404877 Jean Levac/Postmedia

JANUARY 12, 2013 -- Erik Karlsson has his eyes checked as the Ottawa Senator players participated in informal medical tests at Scotiabank Place in advance of the expected ratification of the new CBA agreement with the NHL. Wayne Cuddington/Postmedia

LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 20: Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators poses after winning the James Norris Memorial Trophy during the 2012 NHL Awards at the Encore Theater at the Wynn Las Vegas on June 20, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

FEBRUARY 24, 2012 --- Ottawa Senators practice at Bell Sensplex Friday. Here, Erik Karlsson takes the puck down the ice during a drill. Julie Oliver/Postmedia

FEBRUARY 21, 2012 -- Daniel Alfredsson and Erik Karlsson stretch as the Ottawa Senators practice at the Kanata Rec Centre, February 21, 2012. Wayne Cuddington/Postmedia

BUFFALO, NY - NOVEMBER 11: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators warms up before playing against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center on November 11, 2011 in Buffalo, New York. Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images

Erik Karlsson has one more season remaining on his contract. The Senators can only make a formal offer for an extension on July 1, days after the NHL draft in Dallas this weekend. Harry How/Getty Images

Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators Jean Levac/Ottawa Citizen

TORONTO - OCTOBER 6: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators carries the puck as he is defended by Ian White #7 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during their NHL game at the Air Canada Centre October 6, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario. Dave Sandford/Getty Images

Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson Ross D. Franklin/AP

Sunday marked the first time the Senators could start to formally negotiate a contract extension with Erik Karlsson, whose current deal expires in July 2019. Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images

Erik Karlsson's nameplate is seen in the Senators locker room during the team's season wrap-up on April 9. Justin Tang/THE CANADIAN PRESS

Fans hold up signs in support of Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson (65) during the warm-up before NHL hockey action against the Winnipeg Jets at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa on Monday, April 2, 2018. PATRICK DOYLE/THE CANADIAN PRESS

Will the Senators trade captain Erik Karlsson ahead of the NHL draft on Friday? GETTY IMAGES

Erik Karlsson can become a free agent if his current contract expires in July 2019. The Senators offered their captain a long-term extension on Sunday. Jean Levac/Postmedia

BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 15: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators prepares to play the Buffalo Sabres on December 15, 2014 at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York. Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images

Ottawa Senators defenceman Erik Karlsson Claus Andersen/Getty Images

Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson speaks to reporters in the locker room during the team's season wrap up in Ottawa, Monday, April 9, 2018. Justin Tang/THE CANADIAN PRESS

Melinda and Erik Karlsson. Ashley Fraser / Postmedia

Senators captain Erik Karlsson and his wife, Melinda, are introduced at the Senators Soiree in Gatineau on Feb. 11. Patrick Doyle/Postmedia

Melinda and Erik Karlsson. Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Melinda and Erik Karlsson. Ashley Fraser/Postmedia

Erik Karlsson discusses his future with the media as the Senators cleared out their lockers at Canadian Tire Centre in April. Wayne Cuddington/Postmedia

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Maybe that’s why he appeared to have less in playing the two-way game. Maybe he was trying to make up for his shortcomings in his own zone by doing more offensively.

It didn’t work out. He had 62 points, but his plus-minus dropped by 35 in a year. He strayed from coach Guy Boucher’s system, and other players followed the leader.

But I think Karlsson will be back to his old form in October, after an off-season to strengthen his ankle and now with the determination to prove that he’s worth what he’ll make on his new contract.

The Senators will suffer without him.

But with Melnyk as the owner, they will continue to be a team that has to operate under a tight budget. Unless there’s a change, Thomas Chabot will likely one day become too rich for their blood, as will Logan Brown and Brady Tkachuk.

They too will be traded away for prospects and promise.

Can they win a Stanley Cup while spinning their wheels this way? No. The Vegas Golden Knights wrote a once-in-a-lifetime story. Absolutely everything came together for them, and they were still no match for the Washington Capitals in the finals.

They wanted to acquire Karlsson to get them over the hump.

Ottawa hockey fans will just need to accept the fact that this is the team they get with Melnyk as the owner. It can be a fun team, an exciting team and even a playoff team.

But it will never be a championship team.

And it will never have a player like Erik Karlsson getting paid what he deserves to get paid.