Karlsson on What Kids Liked About All-Star Weekend, Playing With McDavid & Draisaitl

For Erik Karlsson, being named to the All-Star Game wasn’t about the game.

But regardless, the NHL’s top scoring defenseman, with 16 goals and 66 points through 51 games, put on a show in the actual game, notching a spectacular goal and assist in the Pacific Division’s 6-4 loss to the Central Division.

Karlsson helped kick off the scoring for the Pacific by sliding a gorgeous 2-on-1 pass to Connor McDavid through Josh Morrissey’s legs.

Connor McDavid (@cmcdavid97) and @ErikKarlsson65 know a thing or two about scoring goals. 🏒

🇺🇸: @ESPNPlus ➡️ https://t.co/o4lG9EM1XS
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet ➡️ https://t.co/qJBRv5rIZ4 #NHLonSN pic.twitter.com/bRVbQ5SWtp

— NHL (@NHL) February 4, 2023

Then, the San Jose Sharks’ lone All-Star representative picked his corner on Juuse Saros, bar down, with a snipe that cut the Pacific deficit to one goal late, 5-4 off a Leon Draisaitl pass.

That's why he's an All-Star! 🤩@ErikKarlsson65 x #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/UFzIjBSmSi

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) February 4, 2023

Karlsson spent most of the 3-on-3 action with the Edmonton Oilers’ McDavid and Draisaitl, arguably the best and second-best forwards respectively in the world. Coincidentally, the Oilers have also been the team most linked to Karlsson in trade rumors that have swirled around the San Jose Sharks star this year.

“They’re great guys off the ice as well. We get along well,” Karlsson said after the game. “Any time you get a chance to play with guys of that caliber, you jump on it.”

But anyway, this performance was all for show.

What mattered most for the 32-year-old Karlsson this entire weekend was sharing it with his children, three-year-old daughter Harlow and one-year-old son Stellan, who weren’t born yet the last time that the seven-time All-Star played in this game in 2019.

“They had a good time. She likes to see the guys and say hi to everyone. She got to go down to locker room for both days, which was fun,” the San Jose Sharks’ top defenseman said. “And the little guy, he probably just enjoys looking around and seeing something different than his mom and dad all the time.”

Harlow Karlsson Steals the Show at All-Star Skills Competition