SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 06: Erik Karlsson #65 of the San Jose Sharks skates back to congratulate Steven Lorentz #16 of the San Jose Sharks after Lorentz scored against the Colorado Avalanche in the second period at SAP Center on April 06, 2023 in San Jose, California. Karlsson assisted on the goal, and the assist was his 100th point of the season.

Karlsson becomes 6th defenseman ever with 100-point season

3 years ago

Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Sport / Getty

San Jose Sharks star Erik Karlsson notched his 100th point of the campaign Monday against the Winnipeg Jets, becoming the sixth defenseman in NHL history to reach the milestone.

EK65 REACHES 100 POINTS 🙌

What a season for Karlsson 👏 pic.twitter.com/u0N84zu81h
— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) April 11, 2023

Karlsson joins Hall of Famers Brian Leetch, Al MacInnis, Paul Coffey (five times), Denis Potvin, and Bobby Orr (six times) as the only blue-liners to accomplish the feat. Leetch was the last to do it in 1991-92.

The 32-year-old Karlsson is the oldest defenseman to reach the milestone. Coffey, at age 28, previously held that distinction.

It's been a remarkable bounce-back campaign for Karlsson, who missed a combined 69 games over the last five seasons due to injuries. His previous two campaigns represented his worst production on a per-game basis in the last 10 seasons. However, Karlsson is on track for his third career Norris Trophy this year.

Karlsson has 25 more points than the next defenseman behind him. He also ranks tied for second among all NHL skaters with 74 even-strength points this season - one shy of Connor McDavid for a share of the league lead.