A speculated trade fit that would send elite offensive defender Erik Karlsson NHL Insider Frank Seravalli. The hurricanes were seen by some as a logical landing site, but Seravalli wonders whether Carolina should first answer a difficult question.
During a Bleacher Report “Open Ice” Livestream, Seravalli spoke that the hurricanes on paper are useful for the Veteran Blueliner. With more than $ 10.5 million in available cap space and Brent Burns and Dmitry Orlov no longer on the Roster, Carolina Karlsson’s $ 10 million Cap – could absorb it – especially if Pittsburgh retains salary.
“Karlsson wants to play for a competition,” said Seravalli. “And with Carolina who loses burns, the right side can use that boost. He is in need of a need.”
Seravalli was not sold to this deal. Although Karlsson remains an elite puck-moving defender, he is financially a greater commitment and requires trading assets to land him. The 35-year-old achieved 53 points in 82 games last season, but two consecutive seasons from the play-offs can influence his productivity.
For comparison: Hurricanes Blueliner Shayne Gostisbeere has again signed this out of season for just $ 3.2 million a year and last season placed 45 points in 70 games, plus nine more in the play-offs.
Is Karlsson a huge upgrade above Gostisbeere?
“Let’s say we could get Karlsson on $ 7.5 million,” Seravalli posed. “How much better is he than Gostisbeere, for whom does your power play run for considerably less?”
It is a fair question, and if a deal is not done, it seems that this can be the most important snag. Seravalli believes that the marginal upgrade may not justify the hurricanes who make this trade. It would be a splash, but would it be the right one?
Carolina can ultimately decide that it is better with a cheaper version of what they know. Seravalli points out that there might be some curiosity to how much more Karlsson could produce in a better team such as the hurricanes, but the financial risk may not be worth the reward.
Next: Breaking The Deal: A Beginner’s Guide to NHL Trades
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