Don't Call it a Comeback: Breaking down Erik Karlsson's Return to the Spotlight

One of the best stories of the NHL season has been the resurgence of Erik Karlsson. 

In just a month and a half, the San Jose Sharks defenceman’s reputation has gone from washed-up and over-paid to Norris Trophy front-runner. 

In a survey I conducted on the weekend of more than 1,000 fans, he was their choice for No. 1, receiving half of the first-place votes. It’s not hard to imagine why; he has already surpassed his goal total in each of the past five seasons with 11 on the year and his 32 points in 25 games. He is tied for the league lead in 5-on-5 points despite having only two secondary assists, both obviously rare feats for a defenceman. His performance has been so shocking that there has even been trade chatter surrounding him, amazing considering that his contract’s four remaining ye