“You Are a Hall of Famer”: Emotions Roll Into Fanbase as Erik Karlsson Leaves Heartfelt Note During Departure From San Jose Sharks

The whole NHL community hibernated throughout the offseason. A major deal, similar to the Barbenheimer news, was made public this offseason. The San Jose Sharks have sent star defender Erik Karlsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a trade. Sharks supporters were devastated by this result, while Penguins fans celebrated their team’s trade success. Karlsson played with the Sharks for five seasons and was quite forthright about his departure from the teal sweater.

Many online venues, from the NHL’s official site to the social media accounts of his old club, paid homage to the legendary defender. The internet was flooded with images and videos of Erik Karlsson in his teal sweater after the huge deal, but a few days later, the defender wrote a touching message for his devoted following as he was switching to the uniform of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Confession from Erik Karlsson himself

The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired Erik Karlsson from the San Jose Sharks on Sunday. The 33-year-old defenseman played in 82 games with the Sharks and tallied 101 points (25 goals, 76 assists). Additionally, he set a record by becoming just the sixth defender in NHL history to score 100 points in a single season. Karlsson’s move to the Penguins was entirely the decision of the Sharks, who still have four years on their deal with the player. The Penguins benefited from the move because they already had a solid top line, and the addition of a Norris Trophy winner to their roster made winning the Stanley Cup next season all but certain.

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As he announced his departure from the San Jose Sharks after five seasons, Erik Karlsson sent a brief message on Instagram. The famous defender has no bad blood with his previous squad and has nothing but good things to say about the season that just ended. As Karlsson put it in his Instagram post, “Going to miss you San Jose, my teammates, staff, and fans.” He continued by adding, “Thank you. Memories that will last a life time.”

In a surprising trade, he ended up with the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, Karlsson’s adoring public was overcome with emotion as they saw their hero don a new sweater for the next stage of his NHL career.

With him on his journey from San Jose to Pittsburgh

The NHL star shared his heartfelt note on Instagram, where it quickly gained traction. Within minutes, thousands of fans had congregated underneath the post to wish him well on his new NHL adventure.

One fan is happy about the star serving them for 5 years; as they say, “Five years of great memories in Teal. Thank you.” Since the famed defenseman would start a new journey, this comment read, “Erik, I apologize for the hating fairweather fans, they don’t represent the true diehard fans who appreciated your game. You are a hall of famer and you will be missed in San Jose, EK65. Best of luck in Pittsburgh, and go win a Cup!”

A longtime fan of the NHL star left a comment that read, “Welcome to the Penguins. I’ve always been a big fan since you were with the Senators. You will do great.” A cheeky fan comment read, “I already have a shrine of you.”

This was a huge trade, and Penguins fans should expect a lot from their team when the new season kicks off in October.

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