Karlsson had a breakout season in 2011-12, his third in the NHL, finishing with 78 points (19 goals, 59 assists) and winning the Norris Trophy as the League's top defenseman, edging Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins and Shea Weber of the Predators. 18) and a third-round selection to the Nashville Predators to move up three spots and secure Karlsson. To make sure he got his man, general manager Bryan Murray traded Ottawa's first-round pick (No. The draft was held at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, with Senators captain and fellow Swede Daniel Alfredsson taking the stage to announce the selection. He was selected by the Senators in the first round (No. But he was back in uniform less than three months later and helped the Senators advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.īorn in Landsbro, Sweden, Karlsson is a product of the Frolunda HC system in his home country. 13, 2013, Karlsson sustained a 70 percent tear in his left Achilles tendon and required surgery.

His speed, puck sense and passing are superb, and he's proven to be durable and tough despite playing heavy minutes on a nightly basis.įor example, On Feb. Karlsson has established himself not only as one of the NHL's best defensemen, but as one of its top players at any position. 13, 2018, are counting on him to be that kind of game-changer. The San Jose Sharks, who acquired him in a trade with the Ottawa Senators on Sept. Karlsson is the rare player who can change a game every time he steps onto the ice.

Karlson sharks