Erik Karlsson is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who is a defenceman. For the 2025/2026 NHL season, he plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL).
The Profile and Wiki
Nationality: Sweden
Full Name: Erik Sven Gunnar Karlsson
Height: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight: N/A
Place of birth: Vetlanda, Sweden
Date of Birth (Birthday): 31 May 1990
Ethnicity: N/A
Teams Played: Pittsburgh Penguins, Frölunda HC, Ottawa Senators, Jokerit, San Jose Sharks
Position: Defence
What is Erik Karlsson's salary and contract in 2026?
Erik Karlsson's salary is $9.00M for the 2025/2026 NHL season. His contract includes an $11.50M cap hit, a $4.00M base salary and a $5.00M signing bonus.
What is Erik Karlsson's net worth in 2026?
Erik Karlsson has a net worth in the region of $10 million accrued from his earnings in professional ice hockey contracts, endorsement deals, investments and bonuses.
Career Timeline and Statistics
Amateur Ice Hockey/Professional
Erik Karlsson began his journey in ice hockey with development teams before going professional.
Frölunda HC – Swedish Hockey League
Erik Karlsson began his ice hockey career at Frölunda HC in the Swedish Hockey League on 1 March 2008. He later formed a key part of the first team and helped them to reach the playoffs.
Karlsson later finished his first season with Frölunda HC with the team's J20 (junior team) playing in the J20 SuperElit and won the Anton Cup. He was later drafted by the Ottawa Senators.
Professional Ice Hockey
Ottawa Senators – National Hockey League (NHL)
Erik Karlsson attended the Ottawa Senators training camp ahead of the 2009–10 season and was later announced to be part of the team for the season. He made his NHL debut against the New York Rangers on 3 October.
However, Karlsson was assigned to the Ottawa Senators' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Binghamton Senators, following a poor run of form in the NHL. But he was later recalled to the Senators team and was a regular as they reached the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Erik Karlsson was selected to represent the team at the 2011 NHL All-Star Game. In the following 2011–12 season, the Swedish ice hockey star continued his development. He gradually became one of the favourites on the team.
The Ottawa Senators signed Erik Karlsson for a reported seven-year, $45.5 million contract, which was followed by the James Norris Memorial Trophy.
He joined Jokerit in the SM-liiga in Finland during the 2012–13 NHL lockout. He later returned to the team following the resumption of the league. The Ottawa Senators reached the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Erik Karlsson was announced to be the captain of the Ottawa Senators on 2 October 2014. He was outstanding throughout the season and won the Norris Trophy. He continued to be a mainstay in the team and eventually helped them to qualify for the 2017 Stanley Cup Final.
San Jose Sharks – National Hockey League (NHL)
Erik Karlsson was traded to the San Jose Sharks on 13 September 2018. Following a slow start in the 2018–19 season, he turned out to be one of the most consistent players on the team and eventually helped them to qualify for the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Karlsson signed a new eight-year, $92 million contract with the Sharks on 17 June 2019. The deal includes an annual value of $11.5 million. He scored his first career hat trick in the 2022–23 NHL season against the Anaheim Ducks. He also won the Norris Trophy.
Pittsburgh Penguins - National Hockey League (NHL)
Erik Karlsson was traded by the San Jose Sharks to the Pittsburgh Penguins on 6 August 2023.
International Career
Erik Karlsson represents Sweden in international ice hockey competitions. He won the silver medal with the national team. He also won the two bronze medals at the World Championships as well as a silver medal at the World Junior Championships.
Early life
Erik Karlsson was born in Vetlanda, Sweden. He played for Frölunda HC development teams, including the J20 team.
Place of birth: Where was he born?
Erik Karlsson was born in Vetlanda, a locality and the seat of Vetlanda Municipality, Jönköping County, Sweden.
Personal life: His family, parents, father, mother, brothers and sisters
Unfortunately, we currently do not have detailed information about the Erik Karlsson family.
What is the player's true Ethnicity
Unfortunately, we currently do not have detailed information about Erik Karlsson's true ethnicity.
Wife
Unfortunately, we currently do not have detailed information about Erik Karlsson's wife, partner, girlfriend or spouse.