The San Jose Sharks are holding on tightly to Eric Carlson.
An NHL team reportedly needs three first-round draft picks in order to trade the hot Swede before March 3.
“Few teams have heard of him,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier tells The Athletic.
Erik Carlson’s 56 points in 44 NHL games along with the second-place San Jose Sharks in the Pacific Division make the Swede a strong favorite.
– There is interest in it. Few teams have heard of him, Sharks general manager Mike Grier tells The Athletic regarding tonight’s big loss (1-7) against the Edmonton Oilers.
He wants to pick a draft
Erik Carlsson has a so-called “no-move clause” in his contract, and therefore he himself must agree to the trade.
“I think it’s normal for other teams to reach out, and it’s my job to listen to all the pitches and look at what’s best for the organization in the short and long term,” says Mike Greer.
Something that could put an end to interested clubs is Erik Karlsson’s contract, which is worth SEK 120 million per season and expires in 2027.
According to Edmonton Oilers broadcaster Bob Stauffer, the San Jose Sharks need three first-round picks in the draft if they’re going to pick up third place Eric Carlson, but at the same time they’re willing to continue paying him up to 18 percent of his salary.
According to Mike Greer, the information is not entirely correct.
– I don’t really want to go into what we want, but whatever it is, it should be an offer that we feel makes us stronger in the future and gives us the opportunity to change things faster, he says.
Could be the best in 30 years
Although the San Jose Sharks aren’t a great team, Erik Carlsson is having an impressive season to say the least.
He is the best in the entire NHL in points in five games over five games and is a goal and point defenceman. If he maintains his scoring average, he will become the first contestant in three decades to score 100 points.
The deadline to complete the trip is March 3.