This seems like revisionist history. What has karlsson done to make you feel like he didn't want to play for San Jose. He purposely played in the all star game injured because he knew it is special for hometown fans. Played his ass off in the playoffs. Re signed with us and stated he never intended to sign elsewhere. How has he been substantially different than burns after his first year? Only one thing. He got hurt...
Yeah, he had a hard time adjusting to play with our team on the ice but that was mostly Pete Deboer's garbage system.
As CFTS said, he stated on more than one occasion that money was going to be his number one determining factor. He played through injury in a contract year for the team and I think to finish the year strong to keep his value as high as possible.
He signed in SJ because he and his wife knew the organization, fell in love with living in the Bay Area (to raise a family) and DW gave him max term at his asking price with a deadline attached. If he went to market July 1st after surgery, he risked having suitors with organizations in markets they weren’t interested in, less lucrative offers etc. Too many risk factors.
Let me be clear, I love watching EK65 play and hell I bought his jersey when we got him. I’m not saying he hates playing here, he just doesn’t come across as having that emotional connection to the Sharks organization that guys like Burns, Joe, Boyle, Kane etc. had from the get go. It’s just my opinion and I think it’ll probably just come with time.