NHL Rumors: Ottawa Senators and Erik Karlsson – Part 1
Erik Karlsson trade rumors could dominate the next couple days.
On the Ottawa Senators and Erik Karlsson

Shawn Simpson: The Senators are opening the trade market for defenseman Erik Karlsson. Since they are asking for a crazy return, it shows that they really aren’t ready to trade him. This does get trade talks started and the can work toward making a deal at the draft in June. The Senators can focus on the teams that have shown the most interest for the rest of the season.

Pierre LeBrun: A Western Conference GM suggested that the Senators could be laying the framework for a potential Karlsson trade at the draft.

Pierre LeBrun: Some Cup contenders may be willing to offer up more now as they could get Karlsson for two playoff runs. A deal from these teams couldn’t affect their NHL core roster though. An offseason trade would involve more team as they’d have more salary cap space and roster flexibility.

Murray Pam: Would think that a Senators-Lightning Karlsson trade scenario would involve Tyler Johnson. He has six years left on his contract at a friendly $5 million salary cap hit. Johnson’s no-movement clause kicks in after this season.

Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Bob McKenzie was on TSN 1200 talking about the Ottawa Senators and Erik Karlsson.

“So what I would say is this: The Ottawa Senators this past week, for the first time ever to my knowledge, are talking to other teams about trading Erik Karlsson. I think that’s news. Teams have called the Senators. I believe the Senators have called other teams. And I believe they are considering their options.

“I can’t sit here and tell you that Erik Karlsson is going to be traded by Monday. I can’t sit here and tell you that Erik Karlsson is not going to be traded by Monday. This could easily carry over into the summer when we go through the same whole rigmarole song and dance again.

“But what I can tell you is that there has been a shift. And the shift, quite simply, is that right now I think it’s fair to say the Ottawa Senators are considering the possibility of trading Erik Karlsson, and if they get the right price, by Monday.”

doesn’t know if a team will step up and offer the Senators what they want since the right price is really high.

adds that more than six teams have spoken with the Senators about Karlsson so far.

“And I think over the next 24-to-48 hours that process will crystallize. We’re going to find out very quickly who’s really in, who’s not in, and whether or not there’s a legitimate option on the table for the Ottawa Senators to fully consider, and see where we go from there.”