On the Edmonton Oilers and Erik Karlsson…
Ryan Rishaug: Sense is that Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson isn’t going to be an option for Oilers despite their need for a power play quarterback. believes Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli will be aggressive this offseason in finding a defenseman.
Frank Seravalli: believes that the Oilers are on Erik Karlsson’s 10-team no-trade list. Not 100 percent certain on this as lists can change.
On the Philadelphia Flyers …
Michael Russo of The Athletic: Multiple sources are saying the Flyers are getting ready to possibly trade winger Wayne Simmonds. He carries a 12-team no-trade list and a $3.975 million cap hit with a $5 million salary.
On John Tavares …
Darren Dreger: Restating again that IF John Tavares goes to the window that allows him to speak with other teams, he likely won’t talk to more than five teams.
Darren Dreger: It is not possible to target which five teams at this time as there are lots of moving parts and there is still plenty of time for him to decide.
On the St. Louis Blues …
Jim Thomas of St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Blues could use some scoring help up front, mainly a center with an offensive upside.
“We would like to have a centerman,” general manager Doug Armstrong said. “Whether it happens at the draft, in free agency, or it could not happen till next September, October, November, December” via trade.
The Blues have some top prospects that are getting close to making the jump – Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou and Tage Thompson.
The Blues hold the Jets No. 29 pick and could look to package it to move or they could look to trade it for an established player.
The Blues have the salary cap space to take a run at John Tavares if he hits the open market.
“You can’t force anything, and we have to be patient,” Armstrong said. “We’re gonna be active in trying to improve our team, but as you said it takes two to tango. We’re not concerned that everything has to be done here in the next (few) days.”
