NHL Rumors: Erik Karlsson staying put, Patrick Kane day, and LTIR scrutiny
Anthony Scultore
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Today’s NHL Rumors dives deeper into the San Jose Sharks and defenseman Erik Karlsson. In addition, the drama of Patrick Kane being traded to the New York Rangers could end as soon as today.
Plus, the NHL is going to scrutinize and deals regarding injured players.
NHL Rumors: Erik Karlsson staying put
Erik Karlsson is having an incredible, Norris Trophy worthy campaign. The 32 year-old has 19 goals and 77 points in 60 games.
There’s been a lot of speculation that the rejuvenated superstar could be traded this season despite having a whopping $11.5 million contract with four more years left to pay. However, Karlsson threw some cold water on that notion yesterday.
“I think it would be weird if he comes to me with three days left and asked me to waive my no-move,” Karlsson said Monday via NHL.com. “We’ve had plenty of time for that, if that was the case, so I’m not too worried about it. I’m just here to play hockey and enjoy my time.”
Sharks first-year GM Mike Grier is still open to trading him, but it’s unlikely.
“At the end of the day if someone wants him bad enough, as they say, where there’s a will there’s a way,” Grier explained. “I don’t know for sure, but at this time I’m anticipating him being here for the rest of the season.”
Patrick Kane trade to the Rangers today?
The expectation is that Patrick Kane is going to be a member of the New York Rangers soon. Although nothing is official, the trade is believed to be worked out but all things are on hold as the cap accrual works itself out.
According to Elliotte Friedman, the Rangers could announce the trade after 5 PM ET on Tuesday.
“If NYR want to acquire Patrick Kane and have him count against their cap on Wednesday (not today), they can acquire him after 5 pm (ET),” Friedman tweeted. “Things continue to be put in motion behind the scenes (approval, equipment, logistics). We’ll see when it happens.”
Kane, 34, has 16 goals and 45 points in 54 games. The three-time Stanley Cup champion has been sitting at home awaiting for a trade since the weekend. He’ll be a UFA in July.
If this happens today, he could debut with the Rangers as early as Wednesday in Philadelphia versus the Flyers.
LTIR Scrutiny
The NHL is warning teams at the trade deadline about acquiring players that are currently injured. Per Chris Johnston, this impacts deal for players like Sean Monahan, Gustav Nyquist, and Adam Henrique for example.
It’s been discussed in particular with Nyquist, who may return by the start of the playoffs, that a team acquiring him would use LTIR until he’s ready for the postseason. Remember, the salary cap goes out the door during the playoffs.
Anyone remember the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021? Nikita Kucherov was stashed on LTIR which allowed them to acquire defenseman David Savard at the deadline for their Cup-winning run.
When the Bolts beat the Hurricanes, defenseman Dougie Hamilton who was with Carolina at the time pointed it out.
“We lost to a team that’s $18 million over the cap, or whatever they are,” Hamilton said. “I don’t have a problem with it. You just realize how good that team was.”