The San Jose Sharks aren't rushing contract negotiations with Erik Karlsson.
Karlsson, a pending unrestricted free agent, was asked about the situation at his media availability during All-Star weekend and said he and general manager Doug Wilson don't have a time in mind to begin talks.
"We have no timetable on anything," he told Eric Gilmore of NHL.com. "Whatever goes on is going to be handled privately. Doug Wilson has been great with us ever since we got here. He's been very respectful. I appreciate that a lot, both me and my wife do. When the time comes for a decision to be made, whenever that is, I think they've done everything they possibly can to give us the most information we need to make the right decision."
Karlsson is in his first year with the Sharks after spending nine seasons with the Ottawa Senators to begin his career. His trade out of Canada's capital was the story of the offseason, and his upcoming free agency decision will attract similar attention.
The 28-year-old took some time to adjust to his new surroundings. Lately, he's been dynamite for the Sharks, ranking fifth among defenseman with 43 points in 47 games this season, and his 59.84 Corsi-For rating at five-on-five tops all NHL blue-liners, via Corsica.
After taking the plunge to acquire him, the Sharks will likely push to retain Karlsson with a long-term contract. However, core veterans Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski are playing on expiring contracts, while emerging star Timo Meier is playing out the final season of his entry-level deal.
The Sharks are projected to have roughly $21.9 million in available cap space heading into the 2019-20 season, according to Cap Friendly.
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