It’s been weeks of unraveling for the Ottawa Senators, and it looks like the culmination of a poor season will result in Captain Erik Karlsson being dealt either today or in the off-season.
Reports are indicating that four teams are in the mix to land the Swedish defenceman, according to AJ Jakubec, who is a host and play-by-play commentator for TSN 1200 in Ottawa.
The teams listed in the speculation are Tampa Bay, Vegas, San Jose and now Washington. Tampa Bay and Vegas were in the hunt but things are getting spicy as San Jose and Washington have thrown their hat into the ring.
Vegas could be a viable option for Karlsson, as they not only have the cap space and a multitude of potential in prospects and picks, but the Golden Knights would be willing to add Bobby Ryan to their payroll as well.
Washington and San Jose are looking to capture Karlsson and the Cup, so it would make sense for the Caps and Sharks to try and obtain Karlsson. Washington, however, would need to move UFA D John Carlson to make the Karlsson trade work.
Time is ticking down to make a deal for Karlsson, so the stove could certainly heat up as the 3:00 P.M. EST deadline looms.
League sources say Washington is making a push for Erik Karlsson. They would have to move UFA D John Carlson elsewhere to get something done. VGK, TB, SJ also in the mix. Vegas would take Bobby Ryan. Tampa Bay can’t take Ryan.
— AJ Jakubec (@TheSuperAJ) February 26, 2018
