San Jose Sharks defenceman Erik Karlsson said he was never approached about a trade to the Edmonton Oilers

With the San Jose Sharks in town, it’s no surprise Erik Karlsson was asked about the rampant rumours that ran earlier this season about the star defenceman potentially being traded to Edmonton.

According to Sharks reporter Sheng Peng, Karlsson said “I read the same things as everybody else. I didn’t hear much different. I was never approached.”

This shouldn’t be that big of a surprise. While it was reported he would’ve reportedly waived his no-trade clause to go to Edmonton, it doesn’t seem like there was anything strong enough that would’ve had the Sharks going to Karlsson about a potential deal to the Oilers.

The Oilers opted to go a different route in acquiring Mattias Ekholm, who has been nothing short of phenomenal in the nine games he’s played in thus far. Ekholm himself is providing quite a bit of offence scoring one goal and seven points so far. He’s never been known for his offensive upside, but it’s flourishing in Edmonton. Six of those points have come at even-strength, too.

It’s entirely possible the Oilers revisit trade talks with the Sharks in the summertime. Just ahead of the trade deadline, The Athletic’s Daniel Nugent-Bowman said the team could see if something could shake loose around the draft in June.