Blades of Teal
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Diving Deeper: San Jose Sharks Expected Defensive Pairings

By Michael Gutnick

SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 18: Joe Pavelski #8 of the San Jose Sharks receives the game puck from Sharks alumni Igor Larionov, as Larionov is honored in tonight alumni night against Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators during a NHL game at the SAP Center at San Jose on January 18, 2016 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Don Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 18: Joe Pavelski #8 of the San Jose Sharks receives the game puck from Sharks alumni Igor Larionov, as Larionov is honored in tonight alumni night against Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators during a NHL game at the SAP Center at San Jose on January 18, 2016 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Don Smith/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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SAN JOSE, CA – DECEMBER 9: Marc-Edouard Vlasic #44 of the San Jose Sharks and Jean-Gabriel Pageau #44 of the Ottawa Senators battle in the corner at SAP Center on December 9, 2017 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Don Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA – DECEMBER 9: Marc-Edouard Vlasic #44 of the San Jose Sharks and Jean-Gabriel Pageau #44 of the Ottawa Senators battle in the corner at SAP Center on December 9, 2017 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Don Smith/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Erik Karlsson/Marc-Edouard Vlasic

For the last couple of years, Erik Karlsson has been a staple on Ottawa’s top pairing with interchanging partners of Marc Methot, Mark Borowiecki, and Fredrik Claesson – all of which who share a common element – physicality.

However, coming to San Jose, Karlsson most likely teams up with a defenseman with a different style of play –  the attentive defensive mindset of Marc-Edouard Vlasic . For the upcoming season, the two-time Norris Trophy winner will find his fair share of ice time with Vlasic as the strongest defensive duo on the team.

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Karlsson and Vlasic form an optimal combination with Karlsson providing speedy skating and a sharp mind while Vlasic’s long reach and active awareness grants him the ability to interfere with opponents’ passing and shooting lanes in the defensive zone.

A top-five defenseman in the league, Karlsson has racked up six seasons of 60+ points with his highest total of 82 accumulated during his 2015-2016 campaign. Last year, Karlsson notched nine goals and 53 assists in 71 games, including 18 power play points. Karlsson is a two-way threat that can tighten up to defend the fortress, and then quickly transition with his swift mobility to jump up on odd-man rushes.

Despite partnering with Justin Braun over the past five seasons, Vlasic sees a new right-hand man by his side.

For the 35th overall pick by the Sharks in 2005, Marc-Edouard Vlasic has steadily improved into an elite, steadfast defender. In a dozen seasons with San Jose, Vlasic has recorded an average of 22:04 time on ice, a career plus/minus of +138, and 174 blocked shots, to lead the team.

Last year, Vlasic saw more scoring opportunities and took them, tallying a season-high 11 goals to accompany his 21 assists. The 31-year-old native of Montreal stands as the Sharks finest left-handed defensemen, quietly increasing his chances for contention of the Norris Trophy.

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