SJHN Daily: No. 1 Trade Target Karlsson Watches Warriors-Kings

Erik Karlsson hasn’t left the Bay Area yet.

The San Jose Sharks star, the Daily Faceoff’s current No. 1 off-season trade target, took in Game Six of the Golden State Warriors-Sacramento Kings first-round clash last night at Chase Center.

“I love basketball, and ever since I moved here, this is now my team,” Karlsson, sporting the Warriors blue and gold, said. “I’ve been following for a long time, and hopefully they can pull it off tonight.”

.@erikkarlsson65 in the house to cheer on the Dubs 💙#BayAreaUnite pic.twitter.com/BQgqMPkXHF

— Chase Center (@ChaseCenter) April 29, 2023

Apparently, Karlsson’s fandom goes back to 2018, when the San Jose Sharks acquired him from the Ottawa Senators. Memorably, then-Warriors forward Jonas Jerebko, like Karlsson from Sweden, appeared at the Sharks’ Warriors Night, swapping jerseys with both Karlsson and Marcus Sorensen.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jonas Jerebko (@jonasjerebko)

Later that season, Karlsson was spotted on crutches, after his May 2019 groin surgery, taking in Game Three of the 2019 NBA Finals between the Warriors and Toronto Raptors.

Erik Karlsson spotted on crutches during Warriors post-game with close-friend & fellow Swede Jonas Jerebko 🇸🇪 #SJSharks #DubNation pic.twitter.com/nmsSiPUjRq

— SnipeCity420  (@SnipeCity420) June 6, 2019

It looks like Karlsson has been paying attention to the NBA and the Warriors well before 2018-19 – in 2017, he shared this LeBron James tweet about Steph Curry’s new contract.

Anyway, Golden State could’ve used a little bit of the likely Norris Trophy winner’s playmaking magic last night, a 116-99 loss to Sacramento. The Warriors and Kings will play a decisive Game Seven on Sunday in Sacramento.

At San Jose Hockey Now…

Speaking of Karlsson, San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn says his top defenseman is “torn” between leaving and staying with San Jose.

Hockey tactics and player development guru Jack Han on why the San Jose Sharks are an attractive place to play for young, unproven players. Case in point, Jacob Peterson.

Han also spoke on why re-signing Tomas Hertl was the right call for the franchise.

San Jose Sharks legend Joe Thornton stars in another light-hearted commercial.

Did GM Mike Grier win last year’s Draft day trade, when he sent the No. 11 pick to the Arizona Coyotes for the No. 27, 34, and 45 picks?

Other Sharks News…

Congrats SJHN alum Max Miller! Max is taking over the Sharks beat at the Hockey News.

Take a look back at the @Adobe Creator Showcase 📸✨

This event displayed the best photos of the season taken by Sharks photographer, Amanda Cain, and her team. The artwork & more info about the 2023 Sharks X Adobe Creator Fellowship was on display at our Fan Appreciation Game! pic.twitter.com/hKcy7zegOu

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 28, 2023

Sharks fans grade their players’ performances this year.

Country music superstar Kane Brown and wife Katelyn Brown both received personalized San Jose Sharks jerseys after he played SAP Center.

KB in SJ 🔥

Congrats on a SAP Center sell out @kanebrown! pic.twitter.com/GPzga2STBp

— SAP Center (@SAPCenter) April 28, 2023

Around the NHL…

Joe Pavelski traveled to Minnesota for Game Six, but ultimately, didn’t play. The Dallas Stars, however, were able to finish off the Wild without him, so hopefully Pavelski will be ready for Round Two.

No Pavelski for Game 6.

Based on practice yesterday, it did not look like he was playing tonight, but we didn't know if that might've been some gamesmanship from the Stars… it was not. https://t.co/w3XlGjc7Fx

— Owen Newkirk (@OwenNewkirk) April 29, 2023

Rick Bowness eviscerates the Winnipeg Jets after the Vegas Golden Knights ended their series in just five games.

Rick Bowness was on 🔥 after the #NHLJets were eliminated from the playoffs pic.twitter.com/aV9jREu4Om

— Winnipeg Sports Talk (@SportsTalkWPG) April 28, 2023

Ex-Jets captain Blake Wheeler pushes back on Bowness’s criticism though.

"He could’ve been honest with us, we could've had those discussions behind closed doors… so I didn’t agree with how he handled himself after that game.”

Blake Wheeler on Rick Bowness' comments following the Jets' playoff exit after Game 5. pic.twitter.com/7jljgHnU7h

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 29, 2023

Whoa – Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers have forced a Game Seven on presumptive Stanley Cup favorite Boston Bruins.

The Florida Panthers have officially accounted for 25% (5 of 20) of Boston Bruins losses this season, just an incredible stat #TimeToHunt

— Project Panthers Podcast (@ProjPanthers) April 29, 2023

This guy has no idea what he's talking about https://t.co/5B7V0Tn98v

— Jack Han (@JhanHky) April 29, 2023

There are more questions than answers after some details about Valeri Nichushkin’s departure from the Colorado Avalanche have been disclosed.

Nichushkin’s agent Mark Gandler pushes back on this report though.

Great job, Owen Krepps! Owen leaves the Vegas Golden Knights beat and Vegas Hockey Now.

The Los Angeles Kings need to make adjustments ahead of a do-or-die Game Six.

Brent Burns and the Carolina Hurricanes are on to the second round too, eliminating the New York Islanders yesterday.

Tough scene in the @NYIslanders locker room with Zach Parise sitting in his stall, head in hands, and remaining there as his teammates and media vacated the room. He’s 38, pending UFA. Might have been the last ride.

— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) April 29, 2023

Sebastian Aho just bodied none other than Sebastian Aho 😳 pic.twitter.com/b7964RAJUG

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 29, 2023