Things can be both expected and jarring.
Take, for instance, Erik Karlsson’s new contract.
Coming in at eight years and $92 million American dollars, Karlsson is now the NHL’s highest-paid defenseman. As he is one of the best players in the NHL, that’s a milestone that’s been expected for years. And since the Sharks acquired him via trade last September, San Jose has been preparing to offer him such a mega deal.
But this is still a “wow” moment. That’s a lot of scratch. Next season, Karlsson will make nearly 14 percent of the NHL’s salary cap.