The Erik Karlsson dream died Monday. Well, no one actually believed he would wear a Devils sweater next season. Karlsson re-signed with the San Jose Sharks for 8 years, $11.5 Million a year, a number most people didn’t think he would get after a rocky postseason.
With the top fish of the free agent defenseman market gone, Devils GM Ray Shero will most likely have to over pay for someone on defense. Giving $7 Million a year for Jake Gardiner, who is arguably the best player available come July 1st, isn’t a comfortable thought. With that being said, the trade rout is the best way to solve the defensive issue the Devils have.