7. Erik Karlsson
Erik Karlsson has shown this season exactly what the Sharks were expecting when they traded for him before the start of the season. He has shown his playmaking abilities, his speed, his awareness, his shut down defense, and his ability to control a game. Karlsson would be much higher on this list but due to a lingering groin injury this season, he was only able to play in 53 games.
In those 53 games, Karlsson scored three goals and recorded an astonishing 42 assists giving him 45 points. He also recorded 20 points on the power play this season. The two-time Norris Trophy winner represented the Sharks in the NHL All-Star game this year and will become and unrestricted agent this summer.
Karlsson this season became the 13th-fastest defenseman in NHL history to record 400 assists in his career on November 13th against the Predators. The Sharks management has made it clear that they want to give Karlsson an extension and only time will tell if he will be back in a teal jersey next season.