Karlsson thanks Sharks organization, fans with free agency looming
Erik Karlsson thanked the San Jose Sharks organization and its fans on Friday, writing in a tweet that he appreciated the support in his first season with the team.
Thank you to the entire @SanJoseSharks organization, fans, and especially teammates. It was a great run that ended too early. But lots of great memories where created. The entire Bay Area has been nothing but classy and respectful to me and my family. Thank you.
— Erik Karlsson (@ErikKarlsson65) May 24, 2019
Of course, Karlsson's inaugural campaign with the Sharks could also be his last, as he's scheduled to enter the free-agency pool on July 1.
The soon-to-be 29-year-old was traded to San Jose from the Ottawa Senators in September. Karlsson appeared in only 53 games this season due to various injuries but still racked up 45 points, and he ultimately played a huge role in San Jose reaching the Western Conference Final.
He was so banged up throughout the year, however, that head coach Pete DeBoer said after the club's playoff elimination that the Sharks had a healthy Karlsson for just six weeks of the season.
Karlsson hasn't indicated what his plans are for next season, and the Sharks have $24 million in projected available cap space, according to Cap Friendly. Several other key players in San Jose are also free agents this summer, including Joe Pavelski, Joe Thornton, Timo Meier, and Gustav Nyquist.