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NHL Trade Rumors: How every team could trade for Erik Karlsson

By Dave Stevenson

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 27: {L-R} John Klingberg #3 of the Dallas Stars and Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators warm-up prior to the 2018 GEICO NHL All-Star Skills Competition at Amalie Arena on January 27, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 27: {L-R} John Klingberg #3 of the Dallas Stars and Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators warm-up prior to the 2018 GEICO NHL All-Star Skills Competition at Amalie Arena on January 27, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images /

Anaheim Ducks

Why they make sense: The Anaheim Ducks are approaching that point where they need to consider pushing in all of their chips. Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler are getting older. So is Corey Perry. The Ducks are a team built to win now and Karlsson would certainly help them achieve this goal.

Feasible trade: Their first-round pick has to be involved here. That shouldn’t be an issue for the Ducks. Instead, the issue is where they go after the first rounder. Sam Steel might have to be included in this trade because he’s their lone top-tier prospect. It’s hard to see this trade happening without one of Josh Manson or Brandon Montour being in it. Would that be enough to land a two-time Norris Trophy winner, assuming an extension is a part of the deal?

Another option would be including star defenseman Hampus Lindholm in the trade. He’s just young enough to make sense for the Senators. Plus, Lindholm has a team-friendly contract. Would the Ducks move him though?

Is it an expensive price tag? Absolutely. But the Ducks should be willing to pay it. Karlsson immediately turns Anaheim into a contender. He’ll help them be one even after the inevitable declines of Getzlaf and Kesler. With Karlsson, Fowler, at least one of Manson and Montour (and maybe Lindholm), few teams would be able to boast a more productive group of top-four defensemen.

Why it won’t work: The Ducks make sense, but there are teams who are in a position to offer more. Karlsson would be such a great fit in Anaheim, but I honestly don’t think they can put together a competitive offer if every other team is going to be negotiating.

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