 Carkner saw his offensive numbers explode during the 2005-06 season with the Barons, as he scored 10 goals and 31 points in 69 games.He also made his NHL debut with the Sharks that year, appearing in one game and recording an assist in six minutes of ice time on February 6, 2006, in a 4–3 loss to the Calgary Flames.Carkner became a free agent at the end of the season and signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 23, 2006.