According to the latest NHL trade rumors, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Ottawa Senators are discussing a significant deal involving star defenseman Erik Karlsson
For months, the future of captain Erik Karlsson with the Ottawa Senators has been murky at best. General Manager Pierre Dorion turned down opportunities to trade his superstar at the 2018 NHL trade deadline. In doing so, he had hoped the summer would bring more suitors. According to the latest NHL trade rumors, the Tampa Bay Lightning appear to be the favorites.
Tampa Bay and Ottawa continue to work on an Erik Karlsson trade. The NYR may be involved as Lightning need cap room. Callahan back to NY?
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 5, 2018
Karlsson would give the Lightning about the closest thing to a super team as we’re going to see in the modern NHL. Given the salary cap restrictions, it’s extremely difficult to put together a group of elite players without nailing a TON of draft picks. Which is precisely what the Lightning have done.
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No other team would be able to boast having two Norris Trophy winners on the same blue line. Victor Hedman is the reigning Norris winner while Karlsson has won two. Add Ryan McDonagh into the mix and that would be a lethal trio of defensemen. The Lightning also have Vezina Trophy finalist goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy.
After the Toronto Maple Leafs signed John Tavares, Tampa Bay had to counter that move somehow. Their general manager Steve Yzerman is close to doing so by turning his defense into arguably one of the best ever assembled. At least on paper.
Last season, Tampa Bay made it to the Eastern Conference Final before losing to the Washington Capitals in seven games. They are returning a majority of that squad, which is a great thing for the team.
Nikita Kucherov is a first-team NHL All-Star. Steven Stamkos is about as consistent as they come for goal scorers. It should be interesting to see all the moving parts in this deal. Might Ryan Callahan find his way back to the New York Rangers? Will the Lightning part with promising young defenseman Mikhail Sergachev?
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The arms race between the Leafs and Lightning is on. Both teams are committed to building long-term contenders, which should be great for the NHL. If this lastest trade goes through, the Leafs and Lightning should form one heck of a rivalry.
For updated NHL trade rumors, check out our Rumors page!