The Vegas Golden Knights still have interest in Erik Karlsson
Las Vegas Review-Journal: David Schoen reports with training camps set to open in two weeks, the NHL’s most entertaining offseason drama continues to play out with no resolution in sight. Erik Karlsson declined an interview request from Canadian media Tuesday and said he would address his future when camp opens Sept. 13.
Karlsson, 28, is a two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman and leads all blueliners in points (518) since he entered the league in 2009. Karlsson appears to be a perfect fit for the Vegas Golden Knights that thrives on speed and moving the puck quickly in transition.
All signs point to Karlsson not re-signing in Ottawa, and GM Pierre Dorion can’t afford to lose his biggest trade asset for nothing, a la John Tavares and the New York Islanders.
By all accounts, the Knights were close to a deal for Karlsson at the NHL trade deadline in February and considered one of the front-runners to land him this offseason.
Karlsson has one year remaining on his contract and comes with a $6.5 million salary cap hit. The Knights have plenty of cap room to absorb that and also can offer Karlsson to a lucrative, long-term contract extension.
Will the Detroit Red Wings trade Andreas Athanasiou?
MLive: Ansar Khan reports Andreas Athanasiou continues to show flashes of brilliance with his elite speed, one-on-one moves and finishing ability, but disappears for long stretches too often.
The inconsistency has resulted in Athanasiou’s name being floated in NHL trade rumors. If the Detroit Red Wings were to trade him, it won’t likely be for a draft pick, they’d likely want a player who could step into their lineup, preferably a defenseman.
But their preference is for Athanasiou to play up to his potential by being one of their top offensive threats.
With Henrik Zetterberg possibly headed to long-term injured reserve, the club might opt to use Athanasiou in the third-line center spot.
