On the Ottawa Senators and Erik Karlsson …
Terry Marcotte: “Hearing that several teams will be pitching Sens this week on Erik Karlsson. Taking on Ryan contract expected to be part of the ask.”
TSN: When asked what the chances are that Erik Karlsson gets traded.
Darren Dreger: Believe that it’s unlikely that he gets traded now, with the chances improve during the offseason.
“What we know right now is that Pierre Dorion, the general manager for the Sens, has talked to teams, he’ll continue to talk to teams and he’s listening to that level of interest and you can assume that there is a high amount of interest in Erik Karlsson. Arguably, he’s the top defenceman in the National Hockey League.”
Karlsson camp isn’t pushing for a trade.
Bob McKenzie: The Senators are opening to the idea of trading Karlsson, but it will take a king’s ransom to move him.
“But it’s got to be for an absolutely huge haul. We’re hearing upwards of five, six, seven pieces and perhaps teams being asked to take on Bobby Ryan’s contract that has four years to go at more at $7 million a year. So to your point, Darren, I think the prices are astronomical and maybe that means they don’t really want to trade him between now and the deadline.”
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Darren Dreger was on TSN 1200 talking about the Senators and Erik Karlsson. believes it’s a longshot that Karlsson gets traded at the deadline. Marcotte’s report is fairly accurate with the Senators wanting Bobby Ryan and his contract included in the deal.
“But beyond that, it’s hard to fathom a team paying what the asking price probably is. And you’re talking about multiple first-round draft picks and top-end prospects. How do you do that in-season? I guess you do it if you just feel like, without question, Erik Karlsson is going to be the one piece that is all but going to guarantee you a legit shot or a favored shot at hoisting that Stanley Cup. Otherwise it really doesn’t make sense.”
believes an offseason trade is more likely. GM Pierre Dorion is talking to teams and is listening to calls.
Dreger also notes that it would really hard for a contending team to take on Bobby Ryan’s salary ($7.25 million cap hit) and Karlsson’s ($6.5 million cap hit).
“maybe there’s a third team that enters the equation that is willing to take the cap hit and the contract of Bobby Ryan.”