Golden Knights still a fit for Erik Karlsson
David Schoen of the Las Vegas Review-Journal: Training camp opens in two weeks and it doesn’t look like an Erik Karlsson resolution is close. He’s still being tied to the Vegas Golden Knights as a potential landing spot.
Karlsson had reportedly turned down an eight-year, $80 million extension offer earlier this offseason, and the Ottawa Senators can’t lose Karlsson for nothing.
The Dallas Stars have been in on trade talks, but they don’t want to include 2017 first-round pick Miro Heiskanen.
The Tampa Bay Lightning, San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks have also been tied to Karlsson.
The Golden Knights are a perfect fit, were close to trading for Karlsson at last seasons trade deadline, and have the cap space for an extension.
Are the Senators trying to include Bobby Ryan‘s contract to any deal, which is holding things up? Ryan has four years at $7.25 million per left on his deal.
Are the Golden Knights not willing to give up Cody Glass, Erik Brannstrom, or Shea Theodore?
Moving Max Pacioretty at the trade deadline may be the best option
Matt Larkin of The Hockey News: The ‘leaking’ of the Montreal Canadiens were not looking to extend Max Pacioretty after this season lessens his trade value and leverage for them. Pacioretty and his agent have said he wants to stay and sign an extension, but no offer has been made.
Though it may be a bit of distraction, it may be in the best interest of both sides if a trade waits until the trade deadline.
1. Pacioretty can spend most of the season with his family – They live in Montreal all year and his kids start school soon.
2. Pacioretty can up his UFA dollar value – He had a down year with only 17 goals and 20 assists. The 29-year old could be looking for a deal in the $7 million per season range, so he has something to prove. Acquiring team may want an extension in place if they trade for him now, which may not be at full dollar value.
3. Pacioretty can up his trade value for the Canadiens – The Canadiens would be selling low if they moved him now. More teams could be involved in trade talk at the deadline, creating a bit of bidding war.