The San Jose Sharks definitely expected a better result from their 2019-20 season, but for a multitude of reasons, not the least of which was the health concerns of dynamic offensive defenseman Erik Karlsson, the Sharks fell short of expectations.
The Sharks are entering the 2020-21 season with increased optimism, knowing that Karlsson will be at 100% for the first time with the organization, something that Karlsson himself is feeling great about, knowing that there's nothing lingering from an injury-plagued 2019-20 season.
"I do feel good now. I don't think that it should be anything that's going to be lingering. Like everybody, you evolve, and you get older and you learn new things about yourself and what works and what doesn't," Karlsson said in an interview with The Athletic's Kevin Kurz.
"... I'm in the same boat as a lot of the other guys and I think that where I've been throughout this quarantine has been a good setup for me, to be able to work out and skate on a regular basis and have everything I need to be as prepared as I think that I could be."
The former two-time Norris Trophy winner has exceeded the 70-point mark four times in his remarkable career, and would likely have done so in each of his last three season, if not for injury. At just 30 years old, Karlsson still has plenty of quality hockey left in the tank - and the Sharks are hoping he can help propel them back into the playoff picture this season.
Karlsson has 7 years remaining on an 8-year, $92M deal, which he signed with the Sharks ahead of last season. In 56 games last season, Karlsson registered 6 goals and 34 assists for 40 points in a pandemic-shortened year.
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