San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier didn't shoot down the idea of potentially trading his top defenseman, Erik Karlsson, at some point this season.

"I'll listen, but at the end of the day, too, a lot will depend on Erik, too," Grier said Tuesday, per NHL.com's Nick Cotsonika. "He's got the trade protection and (has control over) what he wants to do. I know right now he's happy. He's happy in San Jose. His family's happy there. And we're thrilled with how he's playing."

Karlsson's San Jose tenure has been plagued by injuries, but he's shown he still has plenty left in the tank in 2022-23. Through 17 games, he currently leads all NHL defensemen with 10 goals and 22 points.

NHL

How Erik Karlsson is on track to do more than ever for the Sharks

The 32-year-old is signed through 2026-27 with an $11.5-million cap hit and a full no-movement clause.