SHARKS HAPPY TO GET ‘ELITE’ KARLSSON

OTTAWA — The San Jose Sharks likely couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces.

After acquiring Erik Karlsson from the Ottawa Senators in a blockbuster deal on Thursday afternoon, the Sharks feel like they’re Stanley Cup contenders.

General manager Doug Wilson was overjoyed in a statement posted on the club’s website after the deal was completed. This summer, in their search for a difference-maker, the Sharks made a pitch for former New York Islanders’ centre John Tavares before he signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Wilson is confident Karlsson can help put his team over the top.

“It’s extremely rare that players of this calibre become available,” Wilson told the club’s website. “The word ‘elite’ is often thrown around casually but Erik’s skill set and abilities fit that description like few other players in today’s game

“With Erik, Brent Burns and Marc-Edouard Vlasic, we feel we have three of the NHL’s top defencemen and stand as a better team today than we were yesterday. We are thrilled to welcome Erik and his wife, Melinda, to San Jose.”

Wilson said the Sharks felt they had to pay a high price to get Karlsson. “Ultimately, to acquire a player like this, you have to give to get and we are losing some quality players but also some very good people,” Wilson said. “All of the players leaving our organization have a very bright future in this league and we wish them all the best.”

Karlsson will face his Ottawa teammates for the first time on Dec. 1 at the Canadian Tire Centre, while the Sens visit San Jose on Jan. 12.