San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier on Erik Karlsson: ‘I’m anticipating he’s here for the rest of the season’

Those clamouring for an Erik Karlsson trade to the Edmonton Oilers this week could be left disappointed.

Despite having a career year that may have his trade value at its peak, the San Jose Sharks appear ready to hold onto their top rearguard — for the time being.

After the Sharks made a massive deal moving Timo Meier to the New Jersey Devils, Sharks GM Mike Grier spoke to local media saying — at least right now — that Karlsson will remain with the team.

It’s not a definitive nail in the coffin, but definitely a sign of where things might sit right now. The Oilers appear to be turning their eye towards Mattias Ekholm, and given the term left on his deal (three years left at $6.25-million), one has to wonder if a potential acquisition of him could pull the Oilers from Karlsson entirely.

Ekholm would be a tremendous addition to the Oilers, no doubt. He sacrifices some of the offence Karlsson brings for some stronger defensive play, but Ekholm is strong at puck retrievals, puck-moving and defending the line — all which have been strong areas of contention for the Oilers this season.

As my colleague Cam Lewis noted when he wrote more about Ekholm this morning, he would be able to eat some big minutes on the Oilers’ left-side behind Darnell Nurse providing great depth to the team while helping take Nurse’s minutes down the rest of the way this season.