Sharks' Karlsson undergoes successful surgery


Devdiscourse News Desk | San Jose | Updated: 06-06-2019 04:20 IST | Created: 06-06-2019 04:04 IST
Sharks' Karlsson undergoes successful surgery
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San Jose Sharks defenseman and pending free agent Erik Karlsson had successful surgery Friday to address a groin injury, the team announced Wednesday. Karlsson is expected to be fully recovered in time for the 2019-20 season, the team said.

Karlsson, who turned 29 on Friday, battled a groin issue throughout this season, missing 29 games, including 17 of the last 18 in the regular season. He returned for the playoffs but aggravated the issue in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals against the St. Louis Blues and missed Game 6, when the Sharks were eliminated. The two-time Norris Trophy winner finished with a career-low three goals along with 42 assists in his first year with the Sharks, after arriving via trade from the Ottawa Senators in the offseason.

Karlsson tweeted what sounded like a farewell to San Jose in May, writing, "Thank you to the entire @SanJoseSharks organization, fans, and especially teammates. It was a great run that ended too early. But lots of great memories created. The entire Bay Area has been nothing but classy and respectful to me and my family. Thank you." With his seven-year, $45.5 million contract expiring this summer, Karlsson will be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career.

The Ottawa Sun reported Tuesday that Karlsson is seeking offers from the Senators -- with whom he played his first nine NHL seasons after they drafted him 15th overall in 2008 -- and the Montreal Canadiens. The report added that Karlsson is hoping to return to Canada because his Ottawa-native wife, Melinda, is homesick. Before trading him last year, the Senators reportedly offered Karlsson an eight-year, $80 million contract.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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