More speculative linking Eric Carlson to penguins and hurricanes plus the latest updates Vladimir Tarasenko And Victor Olofsson In today’s NHL rumor mill.
Carlson is still associated with penguins and hurricanes
NHL Network: Sportsnet’s Elliott Friedman thinks it’s up to Pittsburgh Penguins And Carolina Hurricanes As the best contestants to get San Jose Sharks Defender Eric Carlson. He thinks it’s a bit of a poker game where the sharks know what the penguins and hurricanes want to do and those clubs know what the sharks want to do.
Friedman feels this will end with Carlson “most likely” going to the Penguins or the Hurricanes. The question is, which club is willing to stoop to make that happen?
Spectator note: For the Penguins and Hurricanes, how much are they willing to give it up for winning the Norris Trophy three times. For sharks, that’s how much he’s willing to keep from his average annual value of $11.5 million.
Hockey news: Nick Horot believes Penguins head of hockey operations Kyle Dubas needs a backup plan in case they fail to get to Karlsson. He referred to a report claiming Boston Bruins blueliner Matt Grzelecik He could be on Dubas’ list. Horwat suggested UFAs eg Dumbaa died And Ethan Bear as potential targets.
Bystander note: Bruins general manager Don Sweeney recently dismissed speculation that he was shopping Grzelcyk. It is believed he has been getting calls about the 29-year-old defender but is not shopping for him.
The latest is Tarasenko
Ottawa Sun: Bruce Jarioch speculates that the Senators may have room to sign the UFA wing Vladimir Tarasenko for a short term contract now that they have been traded Alex DeBrinkat that detroit.
The Senators and Hurricanes were believed to be among the front runners for the 31-year-old winger until he fired his agent last week. Both clubs remained interested.
NHL NETWORK (holding on press NHL Watcher): Elliott Friedman told NHL Network that he thinks Tarasenko is likely to take a one-year contract and bet on himself to play well and see what happens when the salary cap goes up next summer.
Friedman also noted that the Senators and Hurricanes are associated with Tarasenko. He also pointed out to sharks, Florida panthers And Nashville Predators He had some interest in the veteran sniper.
Spectator note: Tarasenko was rumored to have had a multi-year contract with one club worth around $5.5 million but rejected all offers and changed agents. While Friedman believes he will be getting a one-year deal in hopes of making money next summer under a higher cap, some observers believe the veteran winger is still trying to score a lucrative long-term contract now.
Sabers could wait to move Olofsson
Buffalo hockey now: Michael Augello recently speculated that the sword might have to wait “until a few dominoes fall” before moving on Victor Olofsson. It was reported last month that the 28-year-old winger was expected to be traded sometime this summer.
Olofsson is one year away from UFA eligibility and carries a $4.75 million cap for 2023-24. With the Sabers moving forward and unlikely to re-sign the winger, it was thought that the Sabers might shop him for a goaltender or defenseman on a short-term contract.
These plans may be disrupted due to availability Alex DeBrinkat in the commercial market (note: this report was written before DeBrincat was traded to Detroit) as well as Vladimir Tarasenko’s constant quest to find a new club.
Winger Jack Quinn’s recent Achilles injury could also have derailed Olofsson’s transfer plans this summer. With Quinn out for four to six months, the Sabers could keep Olofsson for next season and try to move him at the trade deadline once Quinn returns to action.