Days after the Sharks' were eliminated by the St. Louis Blues in Game 6 of the Western Conference final, defenseman Erik Karlsson tweeted out what many believed was a goodbye message to the Sharks and their fans.
It turns out that might just be the case.
Karlsson was traded to the Sharks last offseason from the Ottawa Senators, but a return to Canada reportedly could be in the cards for the star blueliner, according to The Ottawa Sun's Don Brennan, who reported Tuesday that Karlsson hopes to receive offers from the Senators and Montreal Canadiens when free agency opens.
While Karlsson has loved his time with the Sharks, Brennan reports that some believe the defenseman is hoping for a return to Canada because his wife, Melinda, is an Ottawa native who is "homesick."
That certainly would be a good reason to head back to the Eastern Conference.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported Saturday that Karlsson would give a "long, hard look" to staying with the Sharks, but Brennan reported that it is believed Karlsson already has decided that he is leaving San Jose.
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Brennan notes that both the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs also would fit the bill, but neither reportedly are on Karlsson's list as of right now.
[RELATED: Sharks blueline facing ample uncertainty this offseason]
Before trading him to the Sharks, the Senators offered Karlsson an eight-year, $80 million deal that he declined. The Senators probably could sign Karlsson for less than that now, given his injury history, but a number of other teams also will be in play for his services.
At any rate, it appears Karlsson's time in San Jose could be over.
