NHL Rumor Mill – July 11, 2023

by | Jul 11, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – July 11, 2023

More speculation linking Erik Karlsson to the Penguins and Hurricanes plus the latest on Vladimir Tarasenko and Victor Olofsson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

KARLSSON REMAINS LINKED TO THE PENGUINS AND HURRICANES

NHL NETWORK: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes it’s down to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes as the front-runners to acquire San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson. He thinks it’s a bit of a poker game with the Sharks knowing what the Penguins and Hurricanes want to do and those clubs knowing what the Sharks want to do.

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

Friedman feels that this will get done with Karlsson “most likely” going to the Penguins or Hurricanes. The question is, which club is willing to bend to make it happen?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: For the Penguins and Hurricanes, it’s how much they’re willing to give up in return to acquire the three-time Norris Trophy winner. For the Sharks, it’s how much of his $11.5 million average annual value they’re willing to retain.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Nick Horwat believes Penguins president of hockey ops Kyle Dubas needs a backup plan in case they fail to land Karlsson. He noted a report claiming Boston Bruins blueliner Matt Grzelcyk could be on Dubas’ list. Horwat suggested UFAs such as Matt Dumba and Ethan Bear as potential targets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins general manager Don Sweeney recently dismissed speculation that he was shopping Grzelcyk. It’s believed he’s received calls about the 29-year-old defenseman but he isn’t shopping him.

LATEST ON TARASENKO

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch speculates the Senators could have the cap room to sign UFA winger Vladimir Tarasenko to a short-term contract now that they’ve traded Alex DeBrincat to 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 have remained interested.

NHL NETWORK (stick tap to NHL Watcher): Elliotte Friedman told NHL Network that he believes it’s more likely that Tarasenko will take a one-year contract and bet on himself to play well and see what happens when the salary cap rises next summer.

Friedman also noted the Senators and Hurricanes have been linked to Tarasenko. He also noted the Sharks, Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators have had some interest in the veteran sniper.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s rumored that Tarasenko had a multi-year deal with one club worth around $5.5 million but rejected all offers and changed agents. While Friedman thinks he’ll take a one-year deal in the hope of cashing in next summer under a higher cap, some observers believe the veteran winger is still trying to score a lucrative long-term contract now.

SABRES COULD WAIT TO MOVE OLOFSSON

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: Michael Augello recently speculated that the Sabres might have to wait “until a few more dominoes fall” before moving Victor Olofsson. It was reported last month that the 28-year-old winger expected to be traded at some point this summer.

Olofsson is a year away from UFA eligibility and carries a $4.75 million cap hit for 2023-24. With the Sabres deep at forward and unlikely to re-sign the winger, it was thought the Sabres might shop him for a goaltender or a defenseman on a short-term contract.

Those plans may have been held up by the availability of Alex DeBrincat in the trade market (Note: this report was written prior to DeBrincat getting traded to Detroit) as well as Vladimir Tarasenko’s ongoing quest to find a new club.

Winger Jack Quinn’s recent Achilles’ tendon injury could also have held up plans to move Olofsson this summer. With Quinn out for four-to-six months, the Sabres could retain Olofsson for the coming season and attempt to move him at the trade deadline once Quinn returns to action.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 10, 2023

by | Jul 10, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – July 10, 2023

Would Mark Scheifele be a good fit with the Bruins? What’s going on with the Flames? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE BRUINS TURN TO SCHEIFELE?

BOSTON GLOBE: Kevin Paul Dupont feels the Winnipeg Jets will seek a return for Mark Scheifele comparable to what they got from the Los Angeles Kings for Pierre-Luc Dubois. He doesn’t think they’ll allow Scheifele to walk away next summer as an unrestricted free agent.

Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (NHL Images).

The Jets got forwards Gabriel Vilardi, Alex Iafallo and Rasmus Kupari that they can plug into their roster right away.

Dupont believes Scheifele could slot in with the Bruins as their No. 1 or No. 2 center for the next four or five years. However, he thinks it would cost them Jake DeBrusk, Pavel Zacha and perhaps prospect Fabian Lysell to tempt the Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’ve been few reports in the rumor mill regarding Scheifele in recent weeks as all the focus was on Dubois, Blake Wheeler (who was bought out and signed with the New York Rangers) and Connor Hellebuyck. That could change over the summer as teams in need of depth at center (like the Bruins) look for help in the trade market.

The Bruins have yet to learn if centers Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci intend to return for 2023-24 or retire. They’re reportedly not waiting to find out as they’re proceeding with their offseason plans as though they’re not coming back.

Whether Scheifele fits into their plans to replace Bergeron or Krejci remains to be seen. As Dupont points out, it could get expensive to attempt to acquire him from the Jets. The Bruins could be reluctant to make that kind of investment. If they do, they’ll have to ensure they have sufficient cap space to sign him to a lucrative long-term contract extension or lose him to the open market next summer.

LATEST ON THE FLAMES

TSN: Salim Valji recently reported on why the Calgary Flames haven’t made more trades since shipping Tyler Toffoli to the New Jersey Devils nearly two weeks ago.

Valji said the Flames’ Noah Hanifin is highly regarded around the league as a top-four defenseman. He suggested the issue could be the difficulty most teams are having in moving money under a flattened salary cap this summer despite Hanifin being on a team-friendly contract for 2023-24.

According to Valji, it’s possible the Flames go into next season with players like Hanifin, Elias Lindholm and Mikael Backlund who are a year away from UFA eligibility still on the roster.

Speaking of Lindholm, the Flames management still believes they can re-sign him to an extension as he hasn’t given a definitive no toward returning after 2023-24. However, there is concern about the possibility of losing him to free agency the same way they lost Johnny Gaudreau to Columbus last summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames at least know that Hanifin has informed them of his intention to hit the open market next summer. They could find a suitable trade partner later in the summer or perhaps during training camp.

They’ll need more definitive answers from Lindholm and Backlund. They cannot have those two simply walk away for nothing next summer.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 9, 2023

by | Jul 9, 2023

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 9, 2023

Are the Devils interested in John Gibson? What’s the latest on Vladimir Tarasenko? Who could the Islanders target in the trade market? Could the Canucks ship Tyler Myers to the Sharks? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

DEVIL INTERESTED IN GIBSON

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports sources tell him the New Jersey Devils are “sniffing around” Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson. He noted that the Devils are weighing whether their current tandem of Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid can carry them to the Stanley Cup in a division that features the New York Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin and the New York Islanders’ Ilya Sorokin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $6.4 million and a 10-team no-trade clause. His stats have suffered over the past three seasons with the rebuilding Ducks but could improve on a talented team like the Devils.

The Devils currently have over $5.6 million in cap space with 19 active roster players under contract. They would have to convince the Ducks to retain part of Gibson’s cap hit, send a contract or two to Anaheim as part of the return, or make a cost-cutting deal or two with another club to free up the cap payroll to acquire him.

THE LATEST ON TARASENKO

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports Vladimir Tarasenko had a multi-year contract worth an AAV of $5.5 million in place with the Carolina Hurricanes before rejecting it (and other offers) and changing agents.

Vladimir Tarasenko (NHL Images).

Tarasenko wanted to remain with the New York Rangers but it was never a realistic possibility. The club didn’t extend the 31-year-old winger a single offer and he wasn’t going to stay with them on a cheap one-year contract.

Brooks believes offers will still be there for Tarasenko. He doesn’t think the Hurricanes will drop out. The Ottawa Senators will be major players once they’ve found a trade partner for Alex DeBrincat. Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello could be interested if he doesn’t land DeBrincat.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Perhaps Tarasenko is waiting for the outcome of the Senators trading DeBrincat to see how it will affect the offers he’s getting.

WHICH SCORERS COULD THE ISLANDERS PURSUE IN THE TRADE MARKET?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner was asked by a reader which top-six scorer would be a good fit with the New York Islanders if they can’t land Ottawa’s Alex DeBrincat. He suggested Toronto’s William Nylander, Philadelphia’s Travis Konecny and Anaheim’s Adam Henrique.

The Leafs could end up peddling Nylander rather than risk losing him next summer to free agency. He reportedly seeks an average annual value of $10 million.

Konecny has two seasons left on his contract with an AAV of $5.5 million. However, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun has reported the Flyers would need to receive an offer that blows them away. Rosner doubts the Islanders have the prospects to make that pitch.

There was talk near the March 2023 trade deadline that Henrique was available before he was sidelined by an injury. Despite his age, he’s still good for around 20 goals and 40 points. A UFA at season’s end, the Ducks might wish to try and move him near the March 2024 trade deadline.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Andrew Fantucchio noted the Boston Bruins will need centers if Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retire. He suggested the Isles package Jean-Gabriel Pageau and RFA winger Oliver Wahlstrom to the Bruins for winger Jake DeBrusk.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lamoriello has been trying to add scoring to his roster since last summer. He acquired Bo Horvat midway through last season but still needs a goal-scoring winger.

It’s rumored that Lamoriello has an interest in DeBrincat but the Detroit Red Wings are considered the front-runners to acquire the Senators winger.

He knows Nylander from his days as Leafs GM so he could pursue the 27-year-old winger if he ends up on the trade block. However, I don’t know how keen Lamoriello would be to pay him $10 million annually.

Konecny seems unavailable at this time though that might change as the season progresses. Even so, the Flyers will set a steep asking price. Henrique seems the most likely to be traded but I agree with Rosner that he might not be available until later in the season.

The Bruins will certainly be in need of centers if Bergeron and Krejci depart. However, I think they’d want more than Fantucchio’s proposed package for DeBrusk, preferably a younger and more affordable center.

UPDATE ON MYERS

DONNIE & DHALI: Rick Dhaliwal recently spoke to player agent J.P. Barry regarding a rumor that the Vancouver Canucks and San Jose Sharks have a possible deal on the table that would send defenseman Tyler Myers to the Sharks.

Barry denied knowledge of such a deal for Myers, saying he’s not aware of anything connecting his client to the Sharks. “I can’t react every time because I think that’s the 13th team in two years that’s been connected to him,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barry went on to say that Myers loves Vancouver but he’s aware that the coming season will be his last with the Canucks given his UFA status next summer. He believes he’ll become a more interesting trade asset near the March trade deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 8, 2023

by | Jul 8, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – July 8, 2023

Do the Penguins have a “Plan B” if they fail to land Erik Karlsson? What are some possible trade destinations for John Gibson? What’s the latest on the Canadiens and Leafs? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PENGUINS SHOPPING FOR KARLSSON BACKUP PLAN

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski cites multiple sources claiming the Pittsburgh Penguins are exploring other defense options if they fail to land San Jose Sharks blueliner Erik Karlsson.

Kingerski claims Kyle Dubas, the Penguins’ president of hockey operations, is shopping in the trade market for additional defensemen or a backup plan, preferably mobile offensive blueliners.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: One of Kingerski’s sources suggested keeping an eye on Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk. However, Kingerski and Jimmy Murphy noted that Boston general manager Don Sweeney expressed exasperation when asked about the Grzelcyk trade rumors, chiding the Boston media.

Murphy cited numerous sources claiming Sweeney has had conversations with other clubs regarding Grzelcyk, as well as goaltenders Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman, defensemen Brandon Carlo and Trent Frederic, and forwards Jake DeBrusk and Trent Frederic. However, that doesn’t mean the Bruins are shopping those players but rather that teams have inquired about them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas is keen to put his stamp on the Penguins immediately. If he can’t find a way to land Karlsson this summer he could consider other options for his blueline.

I don’t fully close the door on those Bruins trade rumors but Sweeney already made his major cap-clearing move by shipping Taylor Hall to Chicago. He might have to shed another salary depending on the cost of re-signing restricted free agents Swayman and Frederic but that’s not a certainty right now.

WHERE COULD THE DUCKS TRADE GIBSON?

THE SCORE: John Matisz speculated over two obvious trade destinations for John Gibson and two dark-horse candidates for the 29-year-old Anaheim Ducks goaltender.

Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (NHL Images).

Matisz considers the New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres as his obvious choices. Both are rising young clubs lacking an experienced starter between the pipes.

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Los Angeles Kings are Matisz’s dark horses. It’s doubtful the Jackets can get out of the NHL basement with a tandem of Elvis Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov, while the Kings are trying to become Stanley Cup contenders with the duo of Cam Talbot and Pheonix Copley.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t disagree with Matisz and his choices. So far, however, it appears those four clubs are willing to go into next season with their current goalies and see what happens.

Matisz noted that Gibson’s contract with its $6.4 million AAV through 2026-27 and 10-team no-trade list is a stumbling block. He also pointed out the netminder’s poor stats last season.

A Gibson trade remains possible depending on how desperate one of those three clubs becomes for a goaltending boost during 2023-24. I rule out the Kings because I don’t believe the Ducks would trade him to their closest rival. Moving Gibson, however, will depend on the Ducks’ asking price and how much of his AAV they’re willing to retain to facilitate a trade.

The flattened salary cap for 2023-24 is another sticking point. Gibson might end up having to wait until next summer for a trade. That’s when the salary cap for 2024-25 is expected to significantly jump from its current $83.5 million to at least $87.5 million. Those teams could have considerably more cap space to work with and perhaps a greater willingness to invest in Gibson.

LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

MONTREAL GAZETTE: With the Canadiens recently trading Joel Edmundson to Washington, Pat Hickey looked at other veteran moves that could help to speed up the club’s youth movement.

Hickey noted the Canadiens’ depth at center following their recent addition of Alex Newhook. He wouldn’t be surprised if Christian Dvorak and his $4.45 million cap hit are moved before the start of the regular season. He also noted the Canadiens have tried unsuccessfully to trade winger Mike Hoffman and his $4.5 million salary.

“Any combination of moves that result in the departures of Dvorak, Hoffman and/or Joel Armia ($3.4 million cap hit) will accelerate the youth movement,” writes Hickey.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dvorak would have the most value of those three. He and Armia are signed through 2024-25.

Hoffman, meanwhile, is a UFA next summer. If he has a decent season the Canadiens might be able to move him at the March 1 trade deadline as most of his cap hit will have been paid out by then.

WILL THE LEAFS ADD MORE SNARL TO THEIR BLUELINE?

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan believes Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving must add to his defense corps the same amount of snarl that Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi will bring to their forward lines.

Koshan noted that Treliving is working with limited cap space. Nevertheless, Matt Dumba remains available in the UFA market. He also wondered if the former Flames GM would look into acquiring Nikita Zadorov from Calgary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s going to depend on the cost of re-signing RFA goaltender Ilya Samsonov.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 7, 2023

by | Jul 7, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – July 7, 2023

Are the Penguins still pursuing a trade for Erik Karlsson? Are the Red Wings and Islanders still interested in Alex DeBrincat? Are the Sharks interested in signing Vladimir Tarasenko and Matt Dumba? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PENGUINS STILL PURSUING KARLSSON?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports numerous sources tell him that Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas remains intrigued by the thought of acquiring Erik Karlsson. He added that the Penguins are still involved in talks with the San Jose Sharks regarding the 33-year-old defenseman.

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

Yohe believes Karlsson would be a fine addition to the Penguins in their quest for one more Stanley Cup run with their aging core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the deal would be complex and would have to involve three teams given the amount of money involved.

NHL NETWORK: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said he believes it’s between the Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes regarding a potential Karlsson trade. He thinks it’s harder for Pittsburgh because Carolina has more salary-cap room.

Friedman feels the issue is trying to find the sweet spot between how much salary the Sharks retain and the trade that gets made. He believes it’s likely to happen at some point and thinks it’s between the Penguins and Hurricanes.

NHL.COM: Responding to a reader’s question about a possible deal moving Karlsson to the Penguins, Dan Rosen doubts that it’s going to happen. He believes there are too many hoops to jump through to make it work with the salary cap. Rosen also doesn’t think the Pens have sufficient assets to tempt the Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I have no doubt that Dubas is trying hard to land Karlsson. Like Rosen, however, I’m skeptical that he can pull it off. Even if the Sharks are willing to retain more than 20-30 percent of Karlsson’s $11.5 million annual cap hit through 2026-27, I don’t believe they have enough of the assets the rebuilding Sharks would want.

I’ve also learned to never say never in this business. Dubas has shown the ability to perform some impressive salary-cap gymnastics during his years with the Leafs. However, trying to make the money fit and finding the right assets in this case just doesn’t seem likely. As Friedman observed, the Hurricanes have more salary-cap space and quality assets to make a competitive bid.

ARE THE RED WINGS AND ISLANDERS STILL PURSUING DEBRINCAT?

NHL NETWORK: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said he’s heard that the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings have been actively working on a trade regarding restricted free agent Alex DeBrincat. The 25-year-old Senators winger is a Michigan native and wants to play for Detroit.

Friedman noted the Red Wings placing winger Filip Zadina on waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract. That would free up some cap space, giving the Wings more room to work on a new contract for DeBrincat. He thinks this deal isn’t that far away but the last hurdle is the toughest.

NHL.COM: Dan Rosen replied to a reader wondering when DeBrincat will become a New York Islander. He thinks the winger going to the Isles makes sense for all parties if they’re interested.

Rosen cited the Islanders’ need for an elite goal scorer. He suggested a package including sending Jean-Gabriel Pageau back to the Senators along with RFA winger Oliver Wahlstrom.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think you’ll see DeBrincat traded to the Red Wings before you’ll see him join the Islanders. The Wings have the advantage in cap space and tradeable assets to tempt the Senators.

If a deal with the Wings isn’t possible, Wahlstrom might interest the Senators depending on what else is included in the return from the Islanders. Pageau, however, is not a fit in Ottawa with Tim Stutzle, Josh Norris and Shane Pinto centering their top-three lines and Claude Giroux capable of filling either spot if necessary.

The Islanders are squeezed for cap space. Ethan Sears of the New York Post believes they might not have a roster spot for Zach Parise (who’s mulling retirement) or Wahlstrom. They’ll have to move quite a lot of salary to make enough room for DeBrincat and his new contract.

SHARKS INTERESTED IN TARASENKO AND DUMBA?

NHL NETWORK: Elliotte Friedman also reported hearing the San Jose Sharks have an interest in unrestricted free agent Vladimir Tarasenko. While the 31-year-old winger was linked to the Nashville Predators and Ottawa Senators, Friedman doesn’t believe that Tarasenko has found the market he wants and that’s not likely to change.

Friedman also suspected that the Sharks might have a spot for unrestricted free agent Matt Dumba if they end up moving Erik Karlsson.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng cited Sharks GM Mike Grier saying he would be keeping an eye open to see if any bargains emerge in the free-agent market. He wonders if Tarasenko and Dumba are starting to enter bargain territory, suggesting it could be a win-win.

If the Sharks can trade Karlsson, it would free up cap room for the Sharks to sign Tarasenko and/or Dumba to short-term contracts. Those players would get the opportunity to rebuild their value, enabling the Sharks to flip them at the trade deadline for younger assets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Peng is skeptical that the Sharks will sign Tarasenko and Dumba but doesn’t rule it out. Stranger things have happened.

Trading Karlsson would shake up what’s been a dull offseason for trades and free-agent moves. Perhaps it would lead to a rebuilding club with cap room signing someone like Tarasenko and Dumba.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 6, 2023

by | Jul 6, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – July 6, 2023

The Red Wings, Ducks and Islanders are linked to Alex DeBrincat, the Penguins and Hurricanes are believed to be interested in Erik Karlsson, and the latest on John Gibson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RED WINGS, DUCKS, ISLANDERS LINKED TO DEBRINCAT

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the future of Alex DeBrincat remains the Senators’ top priority. Management continues to work the phones trying to trade the 25-year-old restricted free-agent winger.

Ottawa Senators winger Alex DeBrincat (NHL Images).

St. Louis broadcaster Andy Strickland claims the Detroit Red Wings are revisiting their interest in DeBrincat. Garrioch also cites sources claiming the Anaheim Ducks and New York Islanders are in the mix.

If the Senators can get DeBrincat off their books, they could have room to sign unrestricted free-agent winger Vladimir Tarasenko. The Senators would also like to add depth to their third and fourth lines but some of that is being held up by the DeBrincat situation.

TSN’s Darren Dreger recently reported the DeBrincat camp seeks a contract similar to Timo Meier’s eight-year, $70.2 million deal with the New Jersey Devils with an average annual value of $8.8 million. Interested clubs aren’t willing to go that high, valuing him closer to $7.8 million. None of them are willing to offer up an eight-year contract.

The Senators could bring DeBrincat back on a one-year deal. However, they’re taking the winger to salary arbitration to see if they can get a 15 percent reduction on his $9 million qualifying offer.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Red Wings could consider terminating winger Filip Zadina’s contract after failed efforts to trade him followed by his clearing waivers earlier this week. There’s talk he could refuse to report to their AHL affiliate if sent down, which would be a contract violation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap Friendly indicates the Red Wings have over $9.8 million in cap space. They have the cap room to pursue a trade for DeBrincat and perhaps sign him to a contract close to what his camp is seeking. However, they might feel more inclined to do so if they can get Zadina’s $1.85 million cap hit through 2023-24 off their books.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Matt Levine weighed in on the Ducks’ rumored interest in DeBrincat. He believes it would make sense for them as they’re seeking a scoring winger and have the cap space and assets to make it happen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Based on Garrioch’s latest report, the Ducks may have the cap space but they’re not willing to pay him $8.8 million annually. The same also applies to the Red Wings. Both clubs could be trying to squeeze the DeBrincat camp into accepting a lesser deal to facilitate a trade.

The Islanders, meanwhile, have the most difficult path to landing DeBrincat. They lack the cap space as well as the quality assets to tempt the Senators. I don’t see them having a chance unless the Ducks and Red Wings drop out of the bidding.

PENGUINS, HURRICANES BELIEVED TO BE INTERESTED IN KARLSSON

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng indicates the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes are thought to be interested in Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson. However, he also cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that interested clubs prefer that the Sharks retain a larger chunk of the 33-year-old Norris Trophy winner’s $11.5 million cap hit.

Friedman indicated the Sharks were willing to retain 20 percent of Karlsson’s cap hit when they were discussing a possible deal with the Edmonton Oilers earlier this year. He also noted that general manager Mike Grier has said that they’re not going to retain 50 percent.

According to Friedman, Sharks owner Hasso Plattner is a bit involved in this situation. It sounds like he’d be willing to retain a little bit more with the caveat that the more they retain, the better the return has to be.

Friedman also noted that Kyle Dubas, the Penguins’ president of hockey operations, has been pursuing Karlsson for some time, stretching back to when he was the GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

THE ATHLETIC: Rob Rossi believes Dubas has a way of clearing cap space to acquire Erik Karlsson now that Penguins winger Drew O’Connor has filed for arbitration. That move allows the Penguins a second opportunity this summer to buy out any player on his roster (other than O’Connor) 72 hours after O’Connor’s arbitration case is settled or awarded.

Rossi noted that Dubas said on July 1 that he looked into acquiring Karlsson and didn’t rule out continuing the pursuit. Such a move would likely be a three-team deal as the Penguins lack sufficient tradeable assets on their own to make it happen and the cap space to absorb his full cap hit.

The Penguins have two potential buyout candidates in Mikael Granlund and Jeff Petry. Rossi believes Granlund is the more likely option given Dubas’ recent remarks that he still views Petry playing a big part with the Penguins going forward.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Mark Madden doesn’t see the Penguins pulling off a Karlsson trade given their lack of cap space and trade assets. The only way he envisions it happening is through “some third-team, cap-dump magic.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Three-team trades are easy for fans to envision, In reality, they’re difficult to pull off, especially when the centerpiece of the deal carries $11.5 million annually through 2026-27 plus a full no-movement clause giving him complete control of the situation.

I’m not suggesting it can’t happen. I just think the Penguins face long odds of pulling it off.

LATEST ON GIBSON

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Matt Levine cited John Gibson’s appearance on the July 4 episode of the “Cam and Strick Podcast” where he spoke about his future with the Anaheim Ducks.

There have been reports that Gibson wanted to be traded from the rebuilding Ducks to a team that was in a better position to win the Stanley Cup. The 29-year-old goaltender said he wasn’t really sure if a trade was going to happen. He indicated he’s had a few conversations with Ducks GM Pat Verbeek since the end of the 2022-23 season but declined to get into the details.

Gibson said he’s facing some uncertainty over whether he’ll be returning with the Ducks or playing elsewhere this season. For now, he’s focusing on his offseason training.

Levine believes it’s unclear what the future holds for Gibson. He’s got four seasons left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.4 million.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens reports there is no known formal trade request from Gibson. When asked, the goalie and his agent declined to comment. However, sources close to Gibson and the Ducks say he has not asked to be traded.

Stephens indicated that neither side is banging the table for a trade. However, that doesn’t mean neither side wouldn’t be interested if an opportunity were to materialize.

Trade destinations appear limited this summer. The Penguins are no longer an option after they brought back Tristan Jarry. Stephens wondered if the New Jersey Devils might be interested.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson’s cap hit and his 10-team no-trade clause complicates things. Verbeek would also likely set a significant asking price. Perhaps next summer might be a better opportunity to move Gibson when the salary cap is expected to rise by at least $4 million.