SJHN Daily: Grier Talks ‘Give and Take’ Relationship with Karlsson

GM Mike Grier appears to have a strong relationship with Erik Karlsson, despite being willing to listen to trade offers for his star defenseman.

“I think it’s just been an open line of communication,” Grier told reporters yesterday after the NHL GM meetings in Toronto. “I think he just feels good about where he’s at personally in his life with his family and where he’s at with our relationship, where it’s kind of a pretty open back and forth, give and take.”

Grier noted that Karlsson, and the San Jose Sharks’ other veterans, have an open door with him, whether that means asking for a day off, talking hockey, or just having a cup of coffee.

Karlsson is enjoying a wonderful start to the year, posting a 10g-14a-24p line. He is arguably the favorite to win the Norris Trophy so far this season.

His team, however, has not been as good. With a record of 6-9-3, insiders like Pierre LeBrun have reported that every Shark except perhaps Tomas Hertl could be available. Grier confirmed yesterday that he’d be willing to listen specifically on Karlsson.

REPORT: Grier Says He’ll ‘Listen’ to Trade Offers for Karlsson

“Depending on how our season goes, I’ll try to be open and honest with those guys and keep them in the loop,” Grier said. “[I] also want their opinion on how they’re feeling and what they want to do as far as next steps in their career.”

AT SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW…

Former head coach Bob Boughner speaks out about his tenure with the team, including getting let go, coaching Evander Kane, and more.

The San Jose Sharks defeat the Golden Knights in regulation for the first time since 2019 with a 5-2 win.

Nick Cicek made his NHL debut last night. From being an undrafted FA to an NHL player, Cicek couldn’t stop smiling.

The San Jose Sharks have won three in a row after a statement win over the Golden Knights.

OTHER SHARKS NEWS…

Luke Kunin scored the first goal for the Sharks last night, giving him 100 career points.

Congrats to @lukekunin9 on hitting 100 NHL points tonight!

We love to see it 👏 pic.twitter.com/uH5DX5feY8

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) November 16, 2022

A favorite tradition around the NHL had Nick Cicek do his solo lap during warmups for his debut.

Rookie solo lap ✔️@nick_cicek134 | #SJSharks pic.twitter.com/sGNwplWRXE

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) November 16, 2022

Sheng Peng talks with NBC Sports about the Erik Karlsson trade rumors.

Could EK65 be on the way out soon?

Read more from @Sheng_Peng: https://t.co/1t7NcW8nQe pic.twitter.com/9TkojEzJzo

— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) November 16, 2022

San Jose Barracuda have recalled Billy Constantinou from ECHL affiliate Wichita Thunder.

AROUND THE NHL…

Mike Hoffman has found his scoring touch again for the Montreal Canadiens. However, he is helping in more ways than scoring.

The Los Angeles Kings are trying a new look on their power play in hopes of improvement.

Washington Capitals’ General Manager Brian MacLellan didn’t attend the annual GM meetings in Toronto this past Tuesday.

The Vegas Golden Knights have now lost two straight, and look at their recent power play struggles as a reason why.

Flyers forward Wade Allison becomes the latest injury in Philadelphia.

New York Islanders d-man Sebastian Aho is making a case for this season’s great success story.

Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine will be out for 4-6 weeks after going on IR for a sprained ankle.

Marc-Andre Fleury is placed on IR after sustaining an upper-body injury.

Former CEO of Hockey Canada, Bob Nicholson, stands in front of the Canadian Parliament and pleads his case.

Defenseman John Klingberg’s move to the Anaheim Ducks has been shaky, says The Athletic.