Erik Karlsson scores first preseason goal with Sharks
This might take some getting used to.
Erik Karlsson has found the back of the net with his new team for the first time since he was traded from the Ottawa Senators earlier this month.
Karlsson had spent his entire career with the Senators before he was dealt to the San Jose Sharks for forward Chris Tierney, defenceman Dylan DeMelo, forward prospects Josh Norris and Rudolfs Balcers, as well as a first-round draft pick (2019 or 2020) and a second-round pick in 2019.
Karlsson netted his first goal of the 2018 preseason Sunday evening against the Vegas Golden Knights, burying a Kevin Labanc pass on the power play.
It’s a bit of a strange sight to see Karlsson scoring a goal in a uniform that isn’t red and white.
The Swedish blueliner won two Norris Trophies and led Ottawa to within a goal of the Stanley Cup Final in 2017 before the team made it clear he wasn’t part of their future rebuilding plans.
Karlsson’s power-play goal Sunday is likely just a taste of what’s to come this NHL season. The 28-year-old rearguard is expected to form a lethal defensive pairing with Marc-Edouard Vlasic and be part of a dynamite first power-play unit that should include the likes of Brent Burns, Joe Pavelski, Joe Thornton and Logan Couture.
It might take some getting used to, but Karlsson is just getting started in his reign with the Sharks.