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The Anaheim Ducks Don’t Need Erik Karlsson to Be Successful

By Ciara Durant

OTTAWA, ON - FEBRUARY 24: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators prepares for a faceoff against the Philadelphia Flyers at Canadian Tire Centre on February 24, 2018 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/NHLI via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - FEBRUARY 24: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators prepares for a faceoff against the Philadelphia Flyers at Canadian Tire Centre on February 24, 2018 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CA – APRIL 12: Ryan Getzlaf #15 of the Anaheim Ducks battles in a face-off against Chris Tierney #50 of the San Jose Sharks in Game One of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 12, 2018, in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
ANAHEIM, CA – APRIL 12: Ryan Getzlaf #15 of the Anaheim Ducks battles in a face-off against Chris Tierney #50 of the San Jose Sharks in Game One of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 12, 2018, in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

Did the Sharks Give Up Too Much?

In order to bring Erik Karlsson to San Jose, they had to give up a few players. You give someone an inch, they take a mile. However, it’s reasonable that in the midst of a rebuild, the Ottawa Senators would want quite a bit in exchange for their best defenseman. It seems as though San Jose got the better end of the deal, but does giving up so much affect them at all?

As I said, the Sharks had to give something up in order to acquire EK65. In exchange for King Karl, Ottawa received a second-round draft pick in 2019, a first-round draft pick in 2020, Chris Tierney, Dylan DeMelo, Josh Norris, and Rudolfs Balcer.

Giving up Dylan DeMelo doesn’t really affect the Sharks too much. His point total for last season was 20, and he had no goals to show for it. So, all in all, the Sharks defense doesn’t take a hit. Especially with Erik Karlsson, who just came off a 62 point season, in their lineup.  With Brent Burns and Marc-Edouard Vlasic added to the equation you’ve got a deadly combination. Burns, who just came off a 67 point season, was the Sharks top point producer last season. Vlasic was lethal on the ice as well, with a 32 point season.

Their prospect pool took a slight hit. Josh Norris, the Sharks 2017 first round draft pick, had a 23 point season (8g,15a) with the University of Michigan. However, he only played 37 games total. He’s proven to be a big asset on the ice, having scored 27 goals with an added 34 helpers in 2016-17 with the US National U18 Team. Rudolfs Balcer, their 2015 fifth-round draft pick, had a great season with the San Jose Barracudas as well. He netted 23 goals and added 25 assists during his 67 game season. Unfortunately, it’s a tough loss for the Sharks. However, it won’t affect them too much. At least, not this season.

The Sharks biggest loss was center, Chris Tierney. He ranked fifth in points last season for San Jose, with 40 points accredited to his name (17g, 23a.) Normally, I’d say that one top point producer isn’t going to have too much of an effect on a team. However, if you take into consideration some of the things San Jose struggled with last season, it makes more sense as to why it could be a little worrisome for them.

San Jose had some issues getting off to slow starts last season. A perfect example was their playoff series with the Vegas Golden Knights. They couldn’t keep up with Vegas, resulting in a 7-0 shutout in one of their games. In comparison, 8-1 isn’t any better (I’m still bitter.) Although San Jose has a great top six, they are a little weak on their back end.

The loss of Tierney may be a difficult obstacle to overcome.

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