New York Islanders: Erik Karlsson Deal Impacts Free Agency

Erik Karlsson signed an eight-year extension with the Sharks, taking himself off the free agent market. Yes, this still impacts the New York Islanders

Everything in sports has a domino effect. Even if it doesn’t seem like a move that another team makes will impact you, in some way shape or form it kind of does. The latest big deal in the NHL, the Erik Karlsson deal, impacts the New York Islanders immensely.

Karlsson re-signed with the San Jose Sharks, just two weeks prior to him hitting the open market. Now, without question that leaves Artemi Panarin as the number one free agent target.

As we wrote just last week, Panarin has to be the Islanders number one choice and the competition for him just got so much steeper. Think about it, this becomes a supply and demand situation.

The dropoff in talent after Panarin is a steep one, so teams are going to get in a bidding war in order to make sure they land Artemi Panarin on July 1. The Islanders, who are at a historical disadvantage to start with, had it made harder on them.

Lou Lamoriello is going to have to work some magic in order to convince Panarin to come to the Island. Opening up the piggy bank will probably be a good start in negotiations but he’s going to have to give a hard sell.

After Panarin, a 34-year-old Joe Pavelski or Gustav Nyquist might be the best choice. See why they need to land Panarin now?

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