Connor McDavid doesn’t care about anonymity, now reveals his vote for the Ted Lindsay ahead of NHL Awards
He breaks the anonymity
Erik Karlsson
Erik Karlsson, born May 31, 1990, in Landsbro, Sweden, plays professional hockey for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL. Many consider him one of the best offensive defensemen of his generation and the second best Swedish defenseman behind Nicklas Lidström.
Erik Karlsson career
Karlsson started his career with Boro-Vetlanda HC in his hometown. After a short stint with Södertälje SK, he joined Frölunda HC in the SHL. He debuted in March 2008 and scored an overtime goal that secured Frölunda a playoff spot.
The Ottawa Senators drafted Karlsson 15th overall in the 2008 NHL Draft. He played his first NHL game on October 3 against the New York Rangers and recorded one assist.
Over the next few seasons, Karlsson became one of the league’s top offensive defensemen. He won his first Norris Trophy in 2012. Before the 2014–2015 season, the Senators named him captain. That year, he also earned his second Norris Trophy.
In 2018, Ottawa traded Karlsson to the San Jose Sharks. The team made the playoffs only once during his five seasons there. In 2022–2023, Karlsson scored 101 points (25 goals, 76 assists), becoming the first defenseman to reach 100 points since Brian Leetch in 1991–1992. He won his third Norris Trophy for that achievement.
Before the 2023–2024 season, the Sharks traded Karlsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He has since posted 56 and 53 points in his last two seasons.
International Play
Karlsson has played for Sweden in one Olympic tournament, winning bronze, and in three World Championships, earning two silver medals.
Shocking reports about Erik Karlsson after his 101-point season, new rumors stuns the NHL
This could be exciting
Fans absolutely slam Erik Karlsson for ”embarrassing” play; they can’t understand what he was trying to do
Erik Karlsson is playing the best hockey of his career at the moment. In the last couple of years, he’s had troubles with injuries and has looked like a shadow of his former self. But ...
NHL insider finally confirms an offer from the Edmonton Oilers for Sharks star Erik Karlsson
The Edmonton Oilers are in desperate need of a defenseman who’s great at moving the puck, taking it through zones, and not just dumping it in the corner––someone who doesn’t just flip it off the ...
Moritz Seider steps up and lays out Erik Karlsson with massive open-ice hit, he didn’t stand a chance
Erik Karlsson is back. He’s playing like his former self and as the defenseman who dominated the league with the Ottawa Senators. For several years, Karlsson was the best defenseman in the NHL and carried ...
When Doughty, Brown, and Kopitar started fighting over Erik Karlsson, who just couldn’t stop laughing
Erik Karlsson is back. He’s the defenseman with most points scored this season, and is carrying the San Jose Sharks on his shoulders. It doesn’t look like the Sharks will be in the playoffs next ...
Erik Karlsson humiliates opponent with incredible deke, the poor guy didn’t stand a chance
Erik Karlsson is absolutely flying right now. After a couple of tough years, when he’s been mocked and labeled as ”finished,” he’s playing the best hockey of his career. When Erik Karlsson was at his ...
Erik Karlsson rolls back the years with amazing goal in OT win against Maple Leafs
Erik Karlsson has a few tough years behind him. Since he signed his big contract with San Jose Sharks after dominating in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators, he just hasn’t played well. The Sharks ...
Erik Karlsson’s future to be decided after All-Star Game
San Jose Sharks defenceman Erik Karlsson started off slow with his new team but he has certainly picked things up as of late. The Swedish star has been red hot recently with the Sharks, recording ...
Erik Karlsson abruptly ends post-game scrum
His San Jose Sharks were defeated by the Toronto Maple Leafs, who scored some ridiculous goals while also seeing Auston Matthews return to the lineup.Erik Karlsson finished the game with 0 points and a -1 ...