Tomas Hertl’s long-term future in San Jose is uncertain, and his absence would clearly affect the Sharks’ ability to score goals. The best way for the Sharks to do that is to add skill and scoring depth to their forward group, but those players usually aren’t cheap.įour players – Karlsson, Brent Burns, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, and Logan Couture – presently take up 42.3 percent of the team’s salary cap space, with only modest increases to the $81.5 million cap expected in the next year or two. SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 17: San Jose Sharks’ Timo Meier (28) is congratulated by teammates, including San Jose Sharks’ Brent Burns (88), San Jose Sharks’ Erik Karlsson (65) and San Jose Sharks’ Tomas Hertl (48), after scoring a goal, his first of the game, against the Los Angeles Kings in the first period at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, Jan. The Sharks simply can’t leave themselves this vulnerable to an extended Karlsson injury again, especially considering the two-time Norris Trophy winner has five years left after this season on a contract that carries an $11.5 million salary-cap hit. He’s fifth in scoring on the Sharks, with 26 points in 33 games, despite the injury.īut Sharks management’s focus should be on the future, and one of the biggest tasks the front office has will be to figure out ways to mitigate the loss of Karlsson, who turns 32 in May, should he have to miss more time in the years ahead.

Karlsson is now skating and his forearm is getting stronger, coach Bob Boughner said Tuesday, and he could be back in a few weeks to aid in a playoff push should the Sharks still be in the race at that point.

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