San Jose sends “James Norris” winner Erik Karlsson to Pittsburgh

The winner of the “James Norris” award for the best defender of the season in the NHL last season Erik Karlsson completed a move from San Jose Sharks to Pittsburgh, the two clubs announced.

The Montreal team is also involved in the three-way deal. Pittsburgh also received Rem Pitlick from Montreal and Dillon Hamaliuk from San Jose. Forward Mikael Granlund and defenseman Jan Rutta were traded to the Sharks from the Penguins, as was forward Mike Hoffman from Montreal. The Canadiens received defenseman Jeff Petry, goaltender Casey DeSmith and forward Nathan Legare from Pittsburgh.

Karlsson’s contract with San Jose runs until the end of the 2026/2027 season. The Swedish defender earns an average of $11.5 million per year.

WE HAVE BIG TRADE NEWS TO ANNOUNCE 🚨

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The Penguins have acquired defenseman Erik Karlsson, forward Rem Pitlick, forward Dillon Hamaliuk and a 2026 third-round draft pick in a three-team trade involving the San Jose Sharks and Montreal Canadiens.

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) August 6, 2023

The 33-year-old hockey player was selected at number 15 by Ottawa in the 2008 NHL Draft and played for the Canadian team until 2018, after which he became a player for San Jose. Last season, Karlsson scored 101 points (25 goals and 76 assists) and became the leading scoring defenseman in the regular season. The Swede received the “James Norris” trophy, which is awarded to the best defender at the end of the regular season.