On the Erik Karlsson trade talks …
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Trade talks between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Ottawa Senators have subsided.
The Dallas Stars have now appear to be the front-runners to trade for defenseman Erik Karlsson again.
Jimmy Murphy: sources are also saying that the Stars are back in the lead for Karlsson. There has been lots of talk lately that there could be another team that is making a big push for Karlsson. Not sure which team it is yet.
Chris Johnston: The Lightning extending Nikita Kucherov to the eight-year contract extension doesn’t take them out of the Karlsson running. It may be the opposite as it gives them the better understanding of the future finances. Talk is the Lightning continue to speak with other teams about getting them involved for a potential three-way trade with the Senators.
Mike Zeisberger: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman after signing Kucherov to the contract extension: “If we were to bring in a significant contract, we would have to make the money work.”
Andrew Berkshire: “Crazy thing about Tampa is they’re still wasting $6.7M in cap space on Girardi and Coburn this year, not to mention $5.8M for Callahan. The Girardi and Coburn contracts expire next year. If they don’t re-sign either and manage to move Callahan, they can afford Karlsson.”
David Pagnotta: If the Lightning are going to acquire Karlsson, they’ll need to move salary out. Forward Ryan Callahan could be the leading candidate. The Rangers, Devils, and at least one other team are believed to be a potential third team.
David Pagnotta: Erik Karlsson signing a contract extension with a team that signs him isn’t a lock. Recent talk suggests that if Karlsson doesn’t sign an extension immediately, there could be significant conditional draft pick compensation attached to the trade.