Uncle Scrooge
Hockey Bettor
It's tough to say.. For starters if a team have set their eyes on Karlsson they should also be open to different maneuvers in making that happen, whether it's buying out players, deals with other teams or making a huge deal with Ottawa that's more than just EK.
If the cap goes up to 80M technically cap-wise it gives everyone the opportunity to get him if they're determined enough. So i wouldn't use teams cap situations as a definitive way to shut options down.
But obviously there are teams that are in better spots to begin discussions. Can't deny Vegas for instance checks all the boxes.
This is going to be incredibly complicated deal though..
I'd be looking at teams who 1) have the assets to get it done without creating too many holes 2) feel like they would be in a position to win the cup immediately with Karlsson and think giving up those assets is worth it 3) organization in a very healthy place so they know at least that won't be in the way of EK re-signing
For example the Oilers i don't think fit either of these. Their many issues up front don't fix themselves by getting Karlsson but it would hinder their ability to do anything about it with the amount of money he's going to get. And the team have made the playoffs once in 3 years with McDavid. There's no way the management looks at this team and says yeah, EK is the missing piece we need and we're cup contenders nor can they be confident enough that EK would stay.
I think in reality there are not many teams that aren't on EK's no-trade list, check all those 3 boxes, are able to meet the Sens demands and are ready to make EK their top priority a year before the goes to FA.
To be honest my head just starts to hurt if i try to find suitable trading partners.. this is way worse than the Duchene trade from speculation standpoint.
I do have to say the special circumstances make Vegas a better trading partner than any one team probably should be with this caliber of player. They accumulated so many draft picks before the season started and their prospects look pretty good, they're on everybodys lips which creates positive energy around the organization and on top of this all now they're having playoff success.
If the cap goes up to 80M technically cap-wise it gives everyone the opportunity to get him if they're determined enough. So i wouldn't use teams cap situations as a definitive way to shut options down.
But obviously there are teams that are in better spots to begin discussions. Can't deny Vegas for instance checks all the boxes.
This is going to be incredibly complicated deal though..
I'd be looking at teams who 1) have the assets to get it done without creating too many holes 2) feel like they would be in a position to win the cup immediately with Karlsson and think giving up those assets is worth it 3) organization in a very healthy place so they know at least that won't be in the way of EK re-signing
For example the Oilers i don't think fit either of these. Their many issues up front don't fix themselves by getting Karlsson but it would hinder their ability to do anything about it with the amount of money he's going to get. And the team have made the playoffs once in 3 years with McDavid. There's no way the management looks at this team and says yeah, EK is the missing piece we need and we're cup contenders nor can they be confident enough that EK would stay.
I think in reality there are not many teams that aren't on EK's no-trade list, check all those 3 boxes, are able to meet the Sens demands and are ready to make EK their top priority a year before the goes to FA.
To be honest my head just starts to hurt if i try to find suitable trading partners.. this is way worse than the Duchene trade from speculation standpoint.
I do have to say the special circumstances make Vegas a better trading partner than any one team probably should be with this caliber of player. They accumulated so many draft picks before the season started and their prospects look pretty good, they're on everybodys lips which creates positive energy around the organization and on top of this all now they're having playoff success.
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