NHL Rumors: Capitals and Carlson … Daniel Brickley … Eeli Tolvanen
Could the Washington Capitals do a sign-and-trade with John Carlson if they can't re-sign him?
On the Washington Capitals and John Carlson …

TSN: On the possibility of there being a sign-and-trade – John Tavares or someone else – this offseason. Pierre LeBrun responds with:

“I would say that whatever remote chance there is of John Tavares doing one it’s certainly a possibility, his camp is examining that. The same would hold true for John Carlson, the number one UFA defenceman on this year’s market. He just happens to be leading all defencemen in scoring, perfect timing.”

LeBrun adds that he believes Carlson’s preference is to remain with the Capitals, and it’s a priority for them, but there are cap issues. If a sign-and-trade were to happen, the eighth year would have to be really important for Carlson.

“I think it is of importance to him and, of course, from Washington’s perspective, if they can’t sign him, they get something in return if they give him that eighth year and trade him a trade so that’s something to keep an eye on with John Carlson.”

On NCAA Free Agent Daniel Brickley …

TSN: Bob McKenzie: College free agent Daniel Brickley visited Detroit on Monday, San Jose yesterday and will be in Los Angeles today.

“Now there is talk that there might be as many as five teams on his list, so two more unidentified teams beyond those three. But those three would appear to be the front-runners and get the personal visits from Brickley who should make a decision by the weekend.”

On the Nashville Predators and Eeli Tolvanen …

TSN: Bob McKenzie: The Predators and Eeli Tolvanen are closing in on an entry-level contract, and the 30th overall pick in 2017 will be getting the same structure of contract that first overall picks would get.

“If that happens I would assume that his contract is likely to get registered with the National Hockey League, perhaps as early as Thursday. The Preds play Thursday night but there’s no sense that he would be in the lineup that quickly. It may take a little while to process this and they also want to get him some rest. But Saturday could be the first game that he plays in the National Hockey League.”