NHL Deadline Rumors: Kane and Karlsson; Big Names With Big Deals And Not Likely To Move

Welcome to another edition of Full Press Hockey’s NHL Rumors! The 2022-23 regular season is more than halfway done and players will be evaluated. Now, with the trade deadline less than two weeks away, rumors are sizzling.

Are Teams Steering Clear Of Kane?

The Chicago Blackhawks are expected to be in the mix for trading a number of players before the March 3rd Trade Deadline, but the best chance to move star winger Patrick Kane may have passed them by. Last week’s trade sending Vladimir Tarasenko from St. Louis to the New York Rangers was greeted with disappointment by the three-time Stanley Cup winner, which served as confirmation that the Broadway Blueshirts were his preferred destination.

Kane to this point has not decided whether he wants to be moved, but like Claude Giroux last deadline, the pending free agent has a full no-movement clause and can control where he wants to go.

"Based on people I've talked to, if Patrick Kane were to accept a trade somewhere, the two teams on his list are the Rangers and the Leafs…"@carlocolaiacovo shared an interesting nugget on First Up this morning regarding Patrick Kane.

Should the Leafs be interested in Kane? pic.twitter.com/MS2H1jKz7T

— TSN 1050 Toronto (@TSN1050Radio) February 14, 2023

A report out of Toronto on Tuesday indicated that the 34-year-old’s preferred destinations are either New York or the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Chicago lost 5-2 to the Leafs in Toronto on Wednesday, and Kane did not make a great impression in over 18 minutes on the ice, appearing a step behind and disengaged for most of the contest. Vegas, Boston, Dallas, and Edmonton are rumored to have interest, decreased production (35 points in 50 games with Chicago after 92 points last season), rumors of a nagging injury, and a $10.5 million cap hit are hurdles that may be too big to jump for Cup contenders with limited cap space.

The Hawks would likely have to retain 50% of Kane’s salary and for teams like Boston, Dallas, and Toronto, a third team might have to split the remaining 50% to fit him in – which will cost those clubs more assets. Only Vegas, who has Mark Stone’s $9.5 million salary on long-term injured reserve, would be able to take on most of his salary, but that would only be feasible if the Golden Knights are convinced Kane is close to being 100% healthy.

Is A Karlsson-To-Edmonton Trade Pie In The Sky?

Word is the #SJSharks and #oilers have re-engaged on Erik Karlsson trade discussions. There are considerable financial hurdles on both ends, but it's at least the second time this season they've explored a potential fit.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) February 11, 2023

TSN’s Chris Johnston reported last weekend that the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks have renewed talks regarding All-Star blueliner Erik Karlsson. The 32-year-old has avoided injuries this season and is the odds-on favorite to win a third Norris Trophy with 73 points (18 goals, 55 assists) in 55 games, but that year is being wasted on the rebuilding Sharks, who terminated Evander Kane’s contract last year and dealt defenseman Brent Burns to Carolina last summer.

The prospect of Karlsson setting up Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl is enough to tantalize Oilers GM Ken Holland, but his contract (an $11.5 million annual cap hit through 2026-27) makes it almost impossible unless San Jose retains a significant chunk of salary.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that Sharks GM Mike Grier would have to retain 40% of the contract to make the deal work for the Oilers, something that Grier is unlikely to do since he is retaining $2.7 million for another two years on Burns’ deal.

Unless the Sharks reconsider, it is likely that Holland moves for less costly rental options like Anaheim’s John Klingberg, Arizona’s Shayne Gostisbehere, or perhaps more defensive-minded defensemen like New York’s Scott Mayfield or Montreal’s Joel Edmundson.

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February Trade Winds

Ottawa GM Pierre Dorion spoke to the media on Thursday and quashed reports that the Senators would consider trading winger Alex DeBrincat before March 3^rd. The two-time 40-goal scorer was acquired from Chicago at the NHL Draft in Montreal last July and is a restricted free agent with a high-qualifying offer similar to Sharks winger Timo Meier, but Dorion indicated that he wants to sign the 25-year-old to a long-term extension.

The Sens have time with DeBrincat and need to have their ownership situation clarified before they make a decision on a new deal. Dorion also said that he will not trade veterans Travis Hamonic or Derick Brassard, and will hold off on making the decision to be a seller until Ottawa plays the Rangers in New York the night before the deadline.

With Ottawa a long shot to make the playoffs, it is probable that they will move pending free-agent forwards Austin Watson and Tyler Motte, as well as goalie Cam Talbot.