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

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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images /

Arizona Coyotes

Why they make sense: The Arizona Coyotes have to do something to get fans to come out to games. Stars make people come to games. Karlsson is one of the NHL’s brightest stars. Whatever the price the Coyotes pay for him would be worth it. Karlsson would arguably be the best player to ever wear a Coyotes sweater.

Feasible trade: Arizona’s first rounder would be the starting point. Now, there are two scenarios – it can either be in the top two or not. The former would be a best-case scenario because it wouldn’t require the Coyotes to trade Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Clayton Keller, Max Domi, and the top-two pick should be enough. If the Senators want a defenseman, Jakob Chychrun should be in the conversation.

However, the second scenario is much more fun. Why? Because the NHL would finally see a sign and trade deal. Both Karlsson and OEL would sign eight-year deals with their current team. They would each have matching no-movement clauses for the final seven seasons.

Now, why not get one for the first year? Because they’re getting traded for each other. Along with Bobby Ryan, who would help lower the cost for the Coyotes a little bit. Arizona has cap space, they might as well use it as an advantage.

Why this won’t happen: Would both players sign extensions? Would Karlsson, who has a no-trade clause, be willing to be traded to Arizona? Probably not. But it sure is fun to dream.

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