San Jose Sharks fans finally have a chance to applaud or heckle defenseman Erk Karlsson, who will make a highly anticipated return to SAP Center on Saturday when the Pittsburgh Penguins visit.
The game will attract a lot of attention for several reasons, but the main reason is certainly the presence of the Swede, who played five seasons in Northern California. Since his transfer was officially announced on August 6, the 33-year-old hockey player has performed less than he did in the 2022-2023 season, when he scored 101 points to win the James Norris Trophy. This season he has two goals and four assists in nine games, with the club also relying on Kristopher Letang on the blue line to support the attack.
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Certainly the evening will be special for the star player, who will be hoping for a warm welcome despite the dismay of local fans as the Sharks continue to search for a first win after missing their first ten meetings.
“I hope so. I have a lot of memories and will always cherish them. So let’s hope they remember the good times we had together. “As for the rest, unfortunately sometimes it’s just business,” he said in an interview with NHL.com a few days ago. “It didn’t work out the way it was intended. I know they’re going through tough times, but I enjoyed my years there.”
Additionally, the back remains grateful to Sharks general manager Mike Grier, who found a way to accommodate him over the summer. The player requested a move to a team with a better chance of winning, so San Jose completed a three-club trade with the Montreal Canadiens.
“From the moment he arrived there to take over his duties, we had a very open and healthy relationship. I think he knew the context when he got the job and knew what he wanted to do. He was transparent about all of this. For my part, I have been very open with him about what I hope to achieve for the rest of my career and my life,” he said.
A board for Crosby
If Karlsson’s arrival on the Sharks’ ice is the talk of the moment in San Jose, Sidney Crosby’s 1,200th might be the talk of the day. Playing in the National League brought him some attention. No. 87 will reach that plateau at the same spot where he won the second of his three Stanley Cups in the spring of 2016. And even though the Penguins have a dismal 3-6-0 record so far, he still gets the thrill of playing.
“You love hockey not only when it’s going well, but also when it’s hard and complicated,” he told NHL.com. If there is neither the passion nor the love for the sport, it is probably time to stop.
“Nothing surprises you at this point,” added left winger Jake Guentzel, who plays on the same line as the famous pivot. He’s been doing it for so long. He is a renowned player who stands out across the rink. It’s been fun to watch over the years. He always surprises me. Every year he seems to get better.”
Crosby has 10 points in nine games since the start of the regular season.