In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Pittsburgh Penguins have not asked Erik Karlsson to waive his no-trade clause. Does that mean he won’t be moved? Are the Columbus Blue Jackets trading Ivan Provorov? The Buffalo Sabres are getting calls on several players. Finally, what are the priorities on the trade deadline list for the Edmonton Oilers?
“Obviously, with my situation, I have full say on whether anything happens or not,” Erik Karlsson said when speaking to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and asked about his trade situation heading into Friday’s deadline. “I have not been asked, and, until I do get asked, whenever that is and if that is, I’ll take a stance. Until then, I’m not worrying about it.”
He said he’s not too worried because he would have to be the first one to know about a possible trade since everything flows through him. He noted, “It hasn’t been on my mind, and it’s not something that I’m walking around thinking about.”
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Karlsson’s impressive showing for Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off last month sparked speculation that other teams could be interested in acquiring the veteran defenseman. However, his hefty contract remains a significant obstacle in any potential trade.
Sabres Getting Calls on Several Players
TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that the Sabres “have received numerous offers, strong offers for futures on a myriad of Buffalo players potentially in play.” He adds that the Sabres don’t need draft picks or prospects…they need legit roster players. If they are looking for difference-makers, it’s hard to imagine how they have a busy deadline as contenders don’t want to move their top stars.
Dreger notes, “Adams remains open to big moves, but it could be a quiet deadline in Buffalo.” Some of the big names rumors to be in play are Dylan Cozens, Bowen Byram, Alex Tuch, JJ Peterka, Jordan Greenway and Henri Jokiharju.
Oilers Targets Ahead of Friday’s Deadline
Ryan Rishaug of TSN posted on Monday morning that his sense on the Oilers deadline targets include a No. 4 or No.5 left-side defenseman and a forward to compete in the top six. If they can, the Oilers would also like to add a fourth-line center who can penalty kill.
Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates with teammates after scoring during the third period against the Florida Panthers in Game Five of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
That sounds like a lot based on their salary cap situation. He added, “Keep in mind if the [Evander] Kane money isn’t available, they’re basically dollar in dollar out at the deadline which makes all this very tricky. Unless they can find a deal and trade Kane before the deadline. We shall see.”
Nowhere on his list is an upgrade in goal.
Latest on Blue Jackets and Provorov
Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic notes, “The Blue Jackets continue to get calls on Ivan Provorov and will keep listening but at this point it would probably have to be quite the offer for Columbus to move the pending UFA D while sitting in a playoff spot.” He believes the Blue Jackets will take another run at trying to sign the defenseman. They are also working on signing Mathieu Olivier and GM Don Waddell thinks they are close in that regard.
He then said, “Meanwhile, CBJ still looking to add a forward as well.” It is believed the Blue Jackets were in Gustav Nyquist talks before he was traded to the Minnesota Wild.