Teams are preparing their bids for Erik Karlsson, Artemi Panarin, Jeff Carter and much more in today's NHL Rumour Report update.
- The Erik Karlsson rumours are starting to build up again as we inch closer to the trade deadline - and no extension in sight with the San Jose Sharks. Not many expected the Sharks to win the Karlsson Derby in the summer, with the Lightning and Golden Knights seemingly leading the charge most of the way. Nonetheless, Karlsson has had a fairly productive year after a bit of a slow start. Unrestricted free agency looms for Karlsson, and although the Sharks can't be ruled out, rumblings have long suggested that San Jose was never his preferred landing spot. The Lightning could remain a contender, but rumours now point to the New York Rangers as one possible fit. With Artemi Panarin also linked to the Rangers, could this be the offseason GM Jeff Gorton ditches the rebuild and goes 'all in'?
- The Columbus Blue Jackets are rumoured to have tested the market for centerman Alexander Wennberg in recent weeks, but it doesn't sound like there's a ton of interest. Wennberg's $4.9 million for the next five years seems to be a stumbling block for a lot of teams, but his age (24) and career high in points (59) still make him an enticing option.
- One of the toughest parts of the Jeff Carter trade will be for the acquiring team to convince him to come. Carter has dug in and made it clear that he has no desire to leave Los Angeles - making it that much harder for GM Rob Blake to move the veteran pivot amidst the impending Kings rebuild. The Bruins and Coyotes are rumoured to have interest - it's a whole other question whether Carter would want to go to either place. The Bruins are a playoff team, while the Arizona weather would make for an easier transition from life in LA.
- Poor Ryan Spooner - already traded twice in the last year, and it sounds like he might be on the move again. Rumours suggest Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli tried to include him in a deal recently - just months after acquiring him from the Rangers for Ryan Strome. Spooner has another year at $3.1 million per.
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