The Sharks shook up the NHL in 2018 when they traded a combination of four players and three draft picks to the Ottawa Senators for elite defenseman Erik Karlsson.

San Jose made the Swedish-born Karlsson the highest-paid defenseman in league history this past June when they signed him to an eight-year contract worth a reported $92 million.

So it’s fitting that when putting together a list of the most impactful NHL players of the decade, Karlsson’s name is near the top of the list.

The Pro Hockey Talk crew made their picks for the 10 BEST players of the decade.



Full list here: https://t.co/h4GfXSnsdi pic.twitter.com/ZmCYqWkykT — NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) December 24, 2019

A two-time Norris Trophy award winner, Karlsson consistently has ranked among the top defenders in the world.

He put together an unforgettable performance in the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs while with the Senators, even receiving two Conn Smythe votes for most valuable postseason player despite his team not advancing to the Stanley Cup Final.

Karlsson set postseason team records for points and assists, despite playing through two hairline fractures in his left heel.

[RELATED: What GM Wilson is looking for from Sharks moving forward]

In particular, Karlsson's play on offense has drawn heaping praise despite being a defender. He is just the second defenseman in NHL history to lead his team in scoring in four consecutive seasons, and has four seasons with at least 70 points and 50 assists over his career.

Luckily for Sharks fans, Karlsson will be taking the ice in teal for much of the next decade as well.