New Jersey Devils: Erik Karlsson Rumors Are Back And Worse Than Ever
By Nick Villano
The New Jersey Devils once again have been named as a possible destination for Ottawa Senators star defenseman Erik Karlsson. There was no real backing to this rumor, but it’s still getting fans excited.
Well, here we are again. We all knew that the Erik Karlsson rumors weren’t going anywhere, but facts said at least the New Jersey Devils wouldn’t be a part of it. Here’s the thing, there will always be people tying this trade to the Devils, whether it makes sense or not.
For a long time, I said the Devils did make sense on paper. They have the most cap space, so they could afford to sign Karlsson long term. The team has a serious need on defense, and Karlsson would make them instant contenders. The Devils don’t have the best prospect pool, but they have some very interesting pieces they could give up, and now Ty Smith could be the centerpiece of a deal. I believe the Senators would accept the best offer from the Devils.
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Here’s the issue, it was almost confirmed that the Devils offered to be a third team in a Karlsson trade. If Ray Shero was willing to make himself the facilitator of a trade within the Eastern Conference, would he be willing to go all in to make the trade for himself? It seems unlikely.
Still, Hockeybuzz reports that the Devils are very much in the running. In fact, whoever Eklund is claims his “sources” say the Devils are offering a “very attractive” package for Karlsson.
These reports are obviously unsubstantiated. Shero never lets the big moves leak. We never saw any moves coming. Whether it was trading for Mirco Mueller or pulling off the steal of Taylor Hall, Shero knows how to be tight lipped. This is Lou level quiet here.
That’s why the Karlsson rumors seemed strange from the get go. The Devils would likely have a hard time selling one of the best players in the league to stick around. The team had four years to convince Taylor Hall that this is the best place for him. He’s been able to see how life is on and off the ice with free agency far away. Karlsson is already looking to his next move.
We will continue to talk about Karlsson rumors, but take them with a grain of salt.