TSN Hockey Insiders Darren Dreger, Pierre LeBrun and Bob McKenzie joined host James Duthie to discuss the latest on Erik Karlsson and what else the Ottawa Senators could do before the deadline, Ryan McDonagh and the Vegas Golden Knights.
Lastest on Erik Karlsson and the Senators
James Duthie: All eyes right now are on Pierre Dorion, Erik Karlsson and the Ottawa Senators. What is the latest there, Dreger?
Here’s what we know though, the Ottawa Senators are willing to clear the deck to some degree. We’ve speculated for the last number of weeks on players like Derick Brassard, arguably the top centre available on the trade market.
Beyond him, you’ve got Mike Hoffman, again lots of speculation around Hoffman, Zack Smith as well. It is conceivable that Pierre Dorion could trade all of these guys, including veteran defenceman Johnny Oduya. He needs a specific return to make that happen, but Ottawa could look much different beyond their captain on Monday.
Bidding war for McDonagh?
James Duthie: The New York Rangers are also in house cleaning mode at his point, but Ryan McDonagh might be the most interesting and getting a lot of attraction from cities close by in the East.
There are a couple other teams as well – I believe there are five teams in all that have kept tabs on Ryan McDonagh. He’s not a rental; there is another year on his deal and certainly comes at a price that will be smaller in comparison to if Erik Karlsson actually gets dealt and that’s something else to keep in mind. I’m told by a source in Boston that yes the Bruins are still in there, but the price has to come down for them to go after McDonagh.
Buying or standing pat in Vegas?
James Duthie: It took us all a few months to actually believe that Vegas was really good and that it wasn’t just a fluke. It’s no fluke when it gets to this point and it becomes clear when they are officially a buyer at the deadline.
Now, they have to be careful. They don’t want to mortgage their future too badly; they don’t think that this year is just a one off by any stretch, but having said that, they also have to protect their future assets.
To that point, Darren, you talked about teams in the Western Conference being in on Erik Karlsson, having some sort of dialogue, I would count Vegas Golden Knights at least being one of those teams that is just looking and exploring. What might this look like if we were able to do it? So, absolutely keep an eye on Vegas between now and Monday.
Setting the market for Kane
Darren Dreger: In Buffalo, you’ve got Evander Kane, there’s developing interest in Kane and a willingness among the Buffalo Sabres to maybe loosen things up a little but, so if it’s not a first, maybe it’s a second and a better prospect.
Pierre LeBrun: David Poile, we know he’s checked in on Rick Nash, I mean he checked in on Erik Karlsson, why not? You’re David Poile, that’s what he does. Keep an eye on David Poile, absolutely a total wild card. The Predators are close, he wants to add and I think he will by Monday.