Erik Karlsson's Most Likely Destination Revealed By Top Insider
The Erik Karlsson trade saga has been long and drawn out, with many fans hoping for a completion in the near future. It's been widely reported that two teams were the frontrunners for Karlsson's services, but a top insider may have just narrowed that list down.
Karlsson the Penguin
Trusted NHL insider Elliotte Friedman went on NHL Network recently to discuss the latest rumblings in the Karlsson trade saga. Friedman dropped a massive new revelation that could change the whole outlook of the trade.
"The situation ebbs & flows, but it's still Pittsburgh & Carolina. The most recent word is it's tipping «more towards Pittsburgh» as of a couple days ago."
This is massive, as San Jose could lose tons of leverage if Carolina bows out. Pittsburgh and Carolina have long been rumored to be the two teams in serious contention to acquire Karlsson, with each team bringing different offers to the table.
Salary Retention
Friedman continued on, saying that the salary retention aspect of this trade makes it difficult to pull off.
"It comes down to what the sweet spot is on San Jose's kept salary for Karlsson." CAR has a number in mind that Fried doesn't think SJ's going that low. "So they'll see what PIT can do."
Carolina has more high-value assets to make a deal work, but also has more salary they'd need to move out before making a deal happen. This is likely why Friedman lists Pittsburgh as the current front-runner for Karlsson.
That's not to say that things can't change, and Carolina couldn't bounce back with a can't-refuse offer, but things don't currently look that way.
As Seen on Hockey OTB - One Team Poised to Secure Karlsson in a Blockbuster Trade!
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 19 | 443 ANSWERS Erik Karlsson's Most Likely Destination Revealed By Top Insider Where would you like to see Karlsson go? | ||
| Pittsburgh | 330 | 74.5 % |
| Carolina | 55 | 12.4 % |
| Stay in San Jose | 58 | 13.1 % |
| List of polls | ||