The Golden Knights still have the assets to add Erik Karlsson
James O’Brien of NBC Sports: The Vegas Golden Knights have just under $9.5 million salary cap space, and have David Clarkson‘s $5.25 million for LTIR if need be.
The gave up assets for Max Pacioretty, but still have some they could offer for Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson.
Before they moved Nick Suzuki, the Golden Knights had the fourth best prospect pool according to Corey Pronman of The Athletic. Cody Glass could headline a Karlsson trade.
The Golden Knights have nine draft picks in each of the next two drafts and could include players and prospects without mortgaging their future.
The Senators may also be looking to move out more salary – Bobby Ryan (four years at $7.25 million) or Marian Gaborik (three years at $4.875 million). David Clarkson carries a $5.25 million cap hit for two years – his salary totals $8 million for the two years – may have to be included.
Other salaries/players that the Golden Knights could include Cody Eakin ($3.85 million), Erik Haula ($2.75 million), Ryan Reaves, Nick Holden, Deryk Engelland, and John Merrill.
Will the Lightning still be interested in Karlsson with BriseBois at the helm?
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 590 talking about the Ottawa Senators and defenseman Erik Karlsson.
“I think they would like to do it, but I’ve been told that they simply at this time do not like the offers that they’re getting for him,” indicated NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman during a Tuesday evening radio hit on Toronto’s Sportsnet 590. “Now, that might change in the next 24-48 hours, but to this point – they’ve wanted to do it for awhile, and they have held off because they don’t like the offers.
“I don’t think they will do it now if their offers don’t get better. That’s what I’m told.”
Friedman believes that the Tampa Bay Lightning are one of the teams that Karlsson would really like to go to. Does new GM Julien BriseBois’ view of Karlsson different than Steve Yzerman‘s?
The Lightning wouldn’t be able to fit in an $11 to $12 million extension, but they may not have too.
“Well, you only have to fill 6.5 for this year,” argued Friedman, alluding to this final season of Karlsson’s contract which counts $6.5 million against the cap and is $7.5 million in actual salary. “And he’s not going to do 11, 12 in Tampa. If he signs there, he’ll be signing for Kucherov, Stamkos, Hedman money, somewhere in that range.
“And thirdly, Ottawa has got a ton of cap room. If Tampa has to move a guy to do it, Ottawa can do it.”