![]() ![]() The Capitals may not be the clubhouse leaders to make a move for Karlsson, but perhaps the team wants to make a final Stanley Cup run or two before Alex Ovechkin hangs up his skates. Considering that Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas' job could be on the line if the team flounders again, it would make a ton of sense for Toronto to swing for the fences. Having Karlsson on the ice with the likes of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner from an offensive standpoint would be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. ![]() Talented forward Nick Robertson and top prospect Matthew Knies could certainly be on the table in a potential deal involving Karlsson. In addition, TJ Brodie, Morgan Rielly, and Jordie Benn are all currently injured, so Toronto may be forced to make a move. Jake Muzzin is currently out of the lineup with a cervical spine injury and may not play again this season. The Maple Leafs' defense has been depleted by injuries throughout the 2022-23 season. This is a franchise that hasn't gotten out of the opening round of the postseason in each of the past six years and something's got to give. The song and dance has remained the same for the Toronto Maple Leafs in recent years. Even if that doesn't come to fruition, Seattle owns their first round pick as well as three second round picks in 2023, so they have plenty of attractive assets that should interest San Jose. The Sharks would be foolish to not at least try to pry 2022 first round Shane Wright away from the Kraken in any potential deal. With less high-profile players on their roster, the Kraken can absorb Karlsson's large cap hit. However, the blue line is one area that could certainly be addressed since the team doesn't possess an elite-level defenseman. They're currently tied with the Vegas Golden Knights for the division lead and have shown that they can clash with some of the league's heavyweights. ![]() The Kraken have quickly become contenders in the Pacific Division despite only being in their second season in the NHL. It also doesn't hurt that the Oilers own their first round picks over the next three seasons, so that could be very enticing to the Sharks. Former first round picks Jesse Puljujarvi and Dylan Holloway would likely be on the move in a potential deal. That's why the Oilers make a ton of sense when it comes to making a splash and attempting to solidify their blue line with Karlsson. However, after missing two months, Kane returned to the lineup earlier this week and Edmonton is still in the thick of the playoff race in the Western Conference. It was a rough start to the season for Edmonton as they were forced to be without one of their top forwards in Evander Kane for an extended period. And I think as you get older and you've been around for a longer time, you realize that it's not as easy as it looks, and you've got to hit it right at the right time." But if it comes right down to it, I don't think there would be any issues doing it. It doesn't mean it's going to be easy to make a move right now with everything. I think my family knows and understands that, and they support me in whatever decision I want to take professionally. That's always been who I am, and I want to win," Karlsson said. In an appearance on the "Got Yer Back" podcast with TSN's Pierre LeBrun and Ryan Rishaug, Karlsson revealed that going to a contender is a top priority for him at this stage of his professional career. ![]() As that day looms closer and closer, Karlsson is making his intentions known to the organization. It's no secret that San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson will be among the hottest commodities at the NHL trade deadline in March. ![]()
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