The San Jose Sharks completed step one of a two-step process with Erik Karlsson, acquiring the two-time Norris Trophy winner in a blockbuster deal last Thursday.
Step two is to sign him to a contract extension. The Sharks have yet to do that, with the clock ticking on his unrestricted free agency next summer.
However, the Sharks are confident they’ll be able to agree to terms with Karlsson.
"We wouldn't have done this deal if we weren't very comfortable of that opportunity," San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson told The Mercury News on Saturday. "And that's why I was able to have discussions with their agents and with Erik."
MORE: Breaking down the Senators' trade return for Karlsson
When asked about whether Drew Doughty’s contract, eight years $88 million, sets the bar for negotiations, Wilson did not hesitate in implying that he’d offer that amount of money.
“Top players are going to get paid well, they are,” Wilson said. “And they deserve to get paid well. It’s just the distribution of your cap and when you’re trying to build a team trying to win a Stanley Cup, it’s a team-building concept.”
When asked if he’d be willing to commit to Karlsson for eight seasons, Wilson didn’t scoff at that either.
“No, there wouldn’t be (any reservations),” Wilson said. “We’ve done our research. Honestly, I really believe he’s just coming into his prime.”
Wilson re-iterated his confidence in getting a deal done by using past examples of players signing long-term extensions when they were traded to San Jose, such as Evander Kane this past offseason.
"Look at the history. That's all I can say," Wilson said. "[Joe Thornton], (Brent Burns), Kane, [Martin Jones]. When you have the type of team we have, the type of team and the type of players, (knowing) what players are looking for, I think we fill all those boxes.”
“I’ve had conversations, in confidence with people, and came to the comfort zone of where we’re at today,” Wilson added.
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In a conference call after the trade on Thursday, Karlsson remained silent on the possibility of signing an extension with San Jose.
"As of right now, that's a private discussion, and that's [not] something I'm going to elaborate on," Karlsson said.