New York Islanders Interested in Artemi Panarin and Erik Karlsson

Erik Karlsson

The Ottawa Senators are where the New York Islanders were not too long ago. Everything seems to be going wrong. An owner that alienated everyone from players to fans, and a GM that doesn’t seem to have a plan.

Making things worse, their star player, captain, and generational defensive talent Erik Karlsson seems to want out of Canada’s captial. Who can blame him exactly?

Last we heard Karlsson was willing to play in both the United States and Canada, as opposed to a report that indicated he’d only play in the US. We keep getting tidbits or the sense that a trade is all but done and then nothing ever materializes.

Fitting into the Islanders defensive lineup wouldn’t be too difficult. Much like Panarin, when you bring in a player with the quality of Erik Karlsson you make room. Fellow righty Pulock would have to bump down to pair two rather than the top pair.

So what could the Ottawa Senators want? A combination of talent and term?

Along with Karlsson likely on the way out Mark Stone and Matt Duchene will become UFA’s in July. In fact, the only player the Sens have under contract passed the 2020-21 season is Bobby Ryan.

A combination of players like Josh Bailey, Nick Leddy, Devon Toews, or Josh Ho-Sang could be tossed together and given to the Sens for their captain. Of course it all depends on whether or not Karlsson comes with an extension, if not the return for the Sens gets dimishined significantly.

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Acquiring either Artemi Panarin or Erik Karlsson would be a huge statement to the NHL by the New York Islanders. That statement would read: “We aren’t the same Islanders anymore. We’re here and we’re ready to make some noise.”