More on John Tavares plus musings
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reports that the sweepstakes are underway. Pat Brisson and CAA determined to funnel the applicants through this week.
There are five teams making pitches in person with another 2-3 via phone. Tampa rearranging the deck chairs to sign Tavares should not be surprising. San Jose and Tampa both were close choices for Steven Stamkos when he was a free agent.
Tavares is not the only game in town. Even John Moore is garnering way more interest than usual along with Jonathan Bernier.
Carter Hutton‘s career year raised enough eyebrows that a couple teams are considering him for a number one job. Several teams raising the ante even in a 1B or backup role. It shows how crazy free agent time can be even with a shortage of candidates. Chicago, Buffalo, Carolina, and yes the New York Islanders have inquired.
Erik Karlsson still an Ottawa Senator for now…
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Selling Erik Karlsson low is just not an option for Ottawa.
Two or three teams are having serious discussions with the Ottawa defenseman. Vegas appeared to be close to a deal but a stalemate has entrenched the camps. The key points here are as follows:
- Erik Karlsson does not hit free agency until July 1st, 2019.
- Ottawa needs a first round pick in 2019 after the deal for Matt Duchene.
- Bobby Ryan in or out of the deal is not a deal breaker.
Again, there is no imminent rush here. Karlsson may be skating in camp for Ottawa come September. That remains a possibility. This trade hinges on finding the right package that the Senators will agree on.
Until that happens, there will be no trade. Will it create more and more awkwardness? That answer is absolutely yes. For now, the Ottawa defenseman’s situation is fluid, but status quo.
