Philadelphia Flyers
Why they make sense: You could make the argument the Philadelphia Flyers don’t really need Erik Karlsson. Considering their bright looking future on the blueline, you might be right. But nope, you can always make room for a generational talent like Erik Karlsson.
Feasible trade: The Flyers have what it takes to offer a variety of packages to the Senators for their defenseman. An intriguing thought would involve sending Shayne Gostisbehere to Ottawa. He has a ton of trade value, but isn’t quite as good as a healthy Karlsson.
The Flyers would have to include a first-round pick. Good thing Philadelphia got an extra one by trading Brayden Schenn to the St. Louis Blues. Whether that pick is in 2018 or 2019, toss in a third-round pick and a mid-level prospect and it’s probably enough to get Karlsson.
If the Senators prefer quantity, the Flyers have a number of tempting prospects. Philly could do something like telling Ottawa they can have two of Travis Sanheim, Samuel Morin, Philippe Myers, Oskar Lindblom, and Carter Hart. Package that with a first-round pick and another mid-level prospect and it’s probably enough.
Why they won’t: Ron Hextall has made his career as an NHL general manager sticking to a very specific process. While Karlsson is worth deviating from that process, the Flyers don’t have a very good history of attempting to get elite defensemen.