Since John Tavares decided on the Toronto Maple Leafs as his destination of choice in free agency, all eyes have turned to another Ontario-based superstar who might be changing locales in short order. Erik Karlsson has been given the opportunity to negotiate extensions with potential acquiring teams, and seems destined to be moved at some point in the next few days or weeks. The Ottawa Senators captain has one year left on his current contract, and was reportedly offered an eight-year, $80MM extension by the team. That number comes in slightly below the contract given to Drew Doughty (eight years, $88MM) which is seen by many as the measuring stick for Karlsson’s next deal.
Recently it was reported that the Dallas Stars had the inside track on any Karlsson trade, and as recently as a few hours ago Chris Stevenson of The Athletic tweeted that talks are ongoing between the two teams. The Stars have plenty of young talent, including Finnish defensemen Julis Honka and Miro Heiskanen, and are looking to compete while Jamie Benn, John Klingberg and Tyler Seguin are still in their prime. A Karlsson deal would make them immediate contenders, though it would obviously cost a ton in assets and salary.
The Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights, New York Islanders and even Columbus Blue Jackets have been mentioned among other teams as potential destinations, and it is not clear at this point who will win out and land the two-time Norris Trophy winner. It’s not even guaranteed that Karlsson will move on from Ottawa, which he’s called his home for many years and could potentially still increase their offer to retain him should the offered packages not live up to their expectations.
Where do you think Karlsson will start the 2018-19 season? Vote below and make sure to leave your thoughts in the comment section.
[Mobile users click here to vote!]
VGK! Miller, Hague, Eakin, 2019 1st and 2nd! Anything more they should walk away!
Good luck getting a few done without Suzuki or Glass
Doesn’t Detroit have their 2019 2nd?
Why give up all your young talent for a one year rental! Not worth it!
It is if you win a cup
Because other teams are being afforded the opportunity to discuss an extension prior to trading for him. Whoever acquires him will have a deal in place to extend him before shipping out 3-4 assets to get him. Try reading before expressing your opinion.
If Stevie could add Karlsson. Aye aye aye!
Anyway kings can trade for karlson? A karlson doughty top 6 would be lethal.
Vegas needs to include Theodore to get Karlsson… but EK would need to be signed first,
Theodore, Tuch and 1st
Florida with his buddy
Miller Nosek Hague 1st and 2nd 2019
I don’t see Glass or Suzuki in that proposal.