Erik Karlsson's suggested new Eastern Conference team revealed: NHL Insider provides substantial update
Photo credit: NHL.com
Trade talks involving the Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins for defenseman Erik Karlsson have yet to die down, and now they've even furthered following a report from an NHL inside.
Following several reports on possibility defenseman Erik Karlsson heading to the Detroit Red Wings, how about another one?
This time, it's from yet another reputable source at The Hockey Writers.
Their latest report has revealed that Karlsson would very well be the missing piece Detroit has needed, if acquired.
With $12 million in cap space remaining, and Karlsson's contract expiring in two years with a $10M AAV, many believe the Red Wings could give up J.T. Compher's $5.1M AAV contract in the deal.
Erik Karlsson would run the Detroit Red Wings first power play unit
Nicholas Giannone of The Hockey Writers believes Karlsson could be the power play quarterback that turns things around for Detroit, which means Moritz Seider would be demoted to the second unit.
Which would not be a bad thing for Seider, in hopes of taking pressure off of his shoulders so early into his NHL career.
The Red Wings' power play skyrocketed this past season once Todd McLellan took over behind the bench, and many believe the veteran coach could guide the aging defenseman into leading Detroit's youth back into a playoff picture.
Karlsson tallied up 15 power play points with a struggling Pittsburgh Penguins team this past season and Seider had 22, alongside Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond and supporting pieces on the top power play unit.
At 35 years of age, Yzerman would be a genius to pull off a deal for Karlsson if he swindles Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas into retaining at least 50% of his whopping $10M salary.
What are your thoughts, Red Wings fans?
Previously on Red Wings Insider
