Erik Karlsson’s decision on his future coming soon

During Headlines, the panel discussed the respective futures of both Patrick Marleau with the Maple Leafs and Dion Phaneuf with the Los Angeles Kings. They also touched on Erik Karlsson and whether or not he will continue with the San Jose Sharks.

Erik Karlsson is one of the marquee pending UFAs who could hit the open market this summer, and it appears that he’s nearing a decision on his future, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

Karlsson, who was traded by the Ottawa Senators to the San Jose Sharks before the start of this season, will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

“The word is that Erik Karlsson is taking a long, hard look at deciding if he wants to stay in San Jose,” said Friedman during the ‘Headlines’ segment on Hockey Night in Canada. “And I think we’re going to know, in about a week, if he’s going to stay or if he’s going to investigate his other free agency options.

“He wants to win, the Sharks are perennially in it [and] they’ve made a good impression on him.”

The 29-year-old defenceman recorded three goals and 42 assists in 53 regular-season games for the Sharks this season. He produced an additional two goals and 14 assists in 19 playoff appearances.

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