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The San Jose Sharks have ruled out one of the best free agents on the market, hiring defenseman Erik Karlsson in an eight-year contract.
Although the team has not revealed its conditions, several reports say it will receive more than $ 11 million per season, making it the highest paid defender in the league. The Kings, Drew Doughty, had that distinction after signing an $ 88 million eight-year deal last summer.
"We are extremely pleased that Erik and his wife Melinda have committed to the San Jose Sharks by July 1," Sharks chief executive Doug Wilson said in a statement. "Players with Erik's talent level are rare and when they become available, it's important to persevere, it makes the difference and constantly improves the players who surround it. that he has been proactive injured since last season and looks forward to being part of our organization for a long time. "
The Sharks have won the All-Star Trophy six times and the Senators' Norris Trophy twice in September. Since he's signed back with San Jose, Ottawa is getting a second-round pick.
According to the NHL's ABC, the Sharks were the only team capable of offering eight years to Karlsson. As an unrestricted free agent, another team could only go seven.
Karlsson, 29, had a bad offensive season with injuries that limited him to 54 games last season. His three goals were the lowest of his career. His 45 points were the lowest since 2012-13, when he played only 17 games for Ottawa.
Karlsson collected 62 points for the Senators last season, 71 the previous year and 82 in 2015-16, a career-high.
"I am super excited to continue my journey with the Sharks," said Karlsson in his statement. "Since my first day here, I have only good things to say about people, the organization and the fans.The entire Bay Area has been extremely welcoming to me and my family. We appreciate that and look forward to spending the next eight years in San Jose.
"When it comes to hockey, I can not wait to continue the hunt for the ultimate prize: the Stanley Cup." Last year was an incredible race, but we did not manage what we decided to do. Teammates, coaches, staff and organizations have shown that we all have a great future ahead of us and that we are able to fight for this championship year after year. "
The Sharks lost to the Blues, Stanley Cup champions, in six final matches.
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