Two of the busiest teams on the first day of NHL free agency are now rumored to be the biggest suitors in the race for Norris Award-winning defenseman Eric Carlson. The NHL offseason, free agency specifically, started with a bang on Saturday and trade discussions began to crop up later in the afternoon after UFA’s first off the board. Carlson rumors started to circulate when some of the deals cooled off.
With reports of multiple teams vying for his services, the Carolina Hurricanes have emerged as an important player in pursuit, as has the Penguins as new general manager Kyle Dupas steps in and puts his mark on the team.
According to Pierre LeBrun and Elliotte Friedman, the Carolina Hurricanes are actively involved in talks to acquire Erik Karlsson. The Hurricanes have cover room and a genuine interest in the star defenseman, despite concerns about his defensive abilities. Reportedly, the Pittsburgh Penguins are pressing hard, though Dupas played down his interest when asked. according to @PensInsideScoopDubas said, “When there’s a player like that who becomes available, especially with a core group (like this one), I think I have to reach out and see if there’s a fit for us. That’s how I saw the whole situation.”
How keen are the sharks to move Carlson?
At the end of the San Jose Sharks, there are questions surrounding their desire to transfer Carlson and how much salary they would like to keep him in any potential deal. General Manager Mike Greer remained silent on the progress of the Carlson trade, describing the situation as “really quiet”. This silence adds an element of intrigue to the negotiations, leaving fans wondering what the Sharks might be up to.
The Penguins and Hurricanes both spent money freely on Saturday, and if they continue to do so — the Hurricanes have also been linked with Vladimir Tarasenko — one has to wonder how much money the two teams will have left to pay Carlson. Carolina added forward Michael Bunting and signed defender Dmitry Orlov. While Orlov’s signing reportedly does not exclude the Hurricanes from going after Carlson, it seems hard to imagine Orlov, Tarasenko, and Carlson fitting into their plans.
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The next 24-48 hours will be crucial in determining the outcome of Eric Carlson’s trade talks. With the Carolina Hurricanes still actively pursuing Carlson, fans are eagerly awaiting news of any potential deal. How far the penguins will go in the trade talks will reveal itself over the next two days.
Next: The Panthers trade Anthony Duclair to the Sharks in a header-driven deal