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New York Islanders: Erik Karlsson Wants to Play in US

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 10: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators waits for a puck drop against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at the Air Canada Centre on February 10, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Senators 6-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 10: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators waits for a puck drop against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at the Air Canada Centre on February 10, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Senators 6-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
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OTTAWA, ON – DECEMBER 4: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators chats with Dion Phaneuf #2 during a break in a game against the New York Rangers at Canadian Tire Centre on December 4, 2017 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON – DECEMBER 4: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators chats with Dion Phaneuf #2 during a break in a game against the New York Rangers at Canadian Tire Centre on December 4, 2017 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)

Would He Come

The issue with trying to the land Erik Karlsson is simple. It’s the Islanders. At this point with John Tavares leaving, playing in two arenas, and the outlook for the immediate future on the Island why would Erik Karlsson choose to come here?

Most players stay away from the Islanders. They routinely make NHL players list of no-trade destinations (subscription required). Which makes sense when you consider the history of the New York Islanders. Yes, they reached great heights once, but that was 35 years ago. It’s been a long time since the Islanders were any good.

But playing in the Islanders favor is the fact that all of these unsavory aspects of the franchise are temporary.

John Tavares has left. That’s over. In his wake is an extremely promising pipeline of talented youth supported by a Stanley Cup winning coach in Barry Trotz, and a multiple Stanley Cup winning President and General Manager in Lou Lamoriello.

The two arena issue, while certainly annoying won’t last forever. The New York Islanders will be playing in a hockey first facility in Queens in three years time. If Lou is to be believed.

And while the Islanders might not be contenders right now, add the talents of Erik Karlsson and they immediately jump into the playoff picture. Last year Karlsson held a 7.2 point share for the terrible Senators.

With the talented youth around him, the bottom six depth that Lou added Karlsson would easily turn this team around quickly. Bringing success with him.

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