Monster trade involving Erik Karlsson: see what remains of this historic transaction, 4 years later

Why did this happen? Partly because several years after the final trade, it's interesting to see what's left of it all.

It's always intriguing to come back and re-evaluate such a trade (probably one of the biggest of the last ten or twenty years).

Recall that at the time of the trade, Erik Karlsson had a value similar to that of a 2022 Cale Makar (but with a contract that was expiring soon).

He was unanimously considered one of the top three or four players in the world, he was 27 years old, and he had just amassed 62 points (in 71 games), 71 points (in 77 games) and 82 points (in 82 games). A really unique production at that time.

Finally, on September 13, 2018, the Ottawa Sens traded him to the San Jose Sharks (along with Francis Perron) in return for :

- Josh Norris

- Rudolfs Balcers

- Chris Tierney

- Dylan DeMelo

- A second round pick in 2019 (became Jamieson Rees)

- A first round pick in 2020 (became Tim Stützle)

- Second round pick in 2021 (became Zack Ostapchuk)

- A conditional first round pick in 2022 (not fulfilled)

At the time of the trade, many fans criticized Pierre Dorion for not receiving a top player, or anything concrete, in return for a generational talent.

The general consensus was that this was a home run for the Sharks.

In the end, a few years later, it was quite a reversal of fortune, with the Sens coming out on top.

See what's left of the deal:

As for Karlsson, unfortunately, injuries have slowed him down tremendously and his $11.5 million a year contract through 2027 is quite a burden for San Jose.