NHL Rumors: Vladimir Tarasenko, Elias Lindholm, and Erik Karlsson
Anthony Scultore
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Today’s NHL Rumors follows up on the latest regarding Vladimir Tarasenko, Elias Lindholm, and Erik Karlsson.
Whether you are into the latest trade buzz, signing news and more, stick with The Daily Goal Horn.
NHL Rumors: Senators sign Vladimir Tarasenko, what’s next?
On Thursday, the Ottawa Senators and forward Vladimir Tarasenko agreed to a one-year deal. Per CapFriendly, the AAV is $5M and the contract has a full no-trade clause.
Tarasenko, 31, notched 50 points in 69 games split between the St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers last season. For his career, he’s amassed 574 points in 675 regular-season contests.
It’s been a long and winding road to this deal as Tarasenko switched agents after reportedly turning down multi-million dollar offers from the Carolina Hurricanes and Sens in early July. The veteran winger with a Stanley Cup ring to his credit, was obviously looking for more but the flat cap squeeze has impacted many other players as well.
“We’ve had conversations with Vladdy and his wife, Yana,” Agent Pat Brisson told ESPN earlier this month. “This isn’t something we’re rushing into. We’re making sure that we’re educating ourselves and them. We’re going to hopefully make a decision in the near future.”
The deal makes sense for the Sens and Tarasenko on multiple levels. He’s likely to play with both Tim Stutzle and Claude Giroux during the season which will help him produce for a bigger contract next summer when the cap increases. As for the Senators, should they be out of a playoff spot, they can trade Tarasenko at 50% retained to a contender for a first-round pick.
Shane Pinto also needs to be re-signed but this deal leaves the Sens with under $900,000 in cap space to get it done. Ian Mendes of The Athletic expects a trade to unload salary is next up for Ottawa.
Update: Per Jeremy Rutherford, Tarasenko has offers from the Florida Panthers and San Jose Sharks.
Bruins in on Elias Lindholm?
The Boston Bruins have a big hole at center with the retirement of Patrice Bergeron. One player that’s being linked to the B’s is Elias Lindholm of the Calgary Flames.
Lindholm, 28, registered 64 points in 80 contests last season and will be a UFA next summer.
“I’ve heard [talks] have been slow,” Elliotte Friedman recently said on NHL Network. “From what I understand, the Flames have not yet given up hope that they can extend him. Initially I thought the number was going to be around Horvat and Dubois, which was $8.5M, now I think it will have to be higher. Around $8.8M or $9M.”
If the Flames feel they can’t come to terms before the start of the season, a deal with the Bruins makes sense.
Sharks want a lot of Erik Karlsson
As everyone anticipates a trade of Erik Karlsson to the Carolina Hurricanes or Pittsburgh Penguins, many wonder what’s holding up the deal.
According to Frank Seravalli of The Daily Faceoff, the San Jose Sharks want a big return that no one is willing to match.
Karlsson, 33, had a monster season with 101 points in 82 games in 2022-23 earring him another Norris Trophy. However, he comes with a big contract that has four years remaining, an AAV of $11.5M, and a full no-move clause.
Earlier this month, he spoke with Swedish outlet Expressen confirming talks with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Seattle Kraken, Toronto Maple Leafs, and more.
Other roadblocks likely include how much salary the Sharks are willing to retain and if they can get a third party involved to facilitate a trade.