What if the Arizona Coyotes traded for Erik Karlsson?
The Coyotes already have a solid, low-key great blue-line, but with Karlsson it would be among the very best in the NHL. OEL and Karlsson would be the greatest pairing the NHL has seen in years, and the Coyotes really could use an elite player (or two) to elevate their roster.
Now, I know it's not likely to happen. The Coyotes may be bleeding money (depending on who you listen to), and they've never really given any indication that they'd be into doing somethign so aggressive and bold, but who knows? A boy can dream!
Karlsson would be expensive, but it's not out of the realm of possibility that he'd re-sign here. He seemed to enjoy the relative anonymity of Ottawa, and the Coyotes have shown a willingness to spend in recent years.
They also have the capital to get it done.
Would the rebuilding Senators consider Barrett Hayton, Brandon Perlini and two first round picks? Would they want more? Is such a trade even sensible?
If that was the cost, I'd pay it in a second - if I was sure of Dylan Strome.
Last year Strome put up almost a point per game to end the season, and he finished as the Coyotes best per/minute scorer. I have high hopes and I believe he is going to be a really good player. But what I believe doesn't matter. I'm just a guy.
If the people who actually know him, have charted his development and who are heavily invested in his future actually think he can be a star, then I think making a move for Karlsson would be smart.
But if they are unwilling to bet on him becoming a star, it'd be better to chase a forward.
The thing is, a player like Karlsson doesn't often become available, and the Coyotes are the last team anyone expects to go for him. But it does make some sense. They need an elite player. They have a team whose age and experience and salary structure suggest a relative short window while Raanta and OEL are in their primes, and they have the prospect pool to actually pay what the Senators want.
It's outside the box, it's probably outside the entire structure, but it's an idea.
Washington Capitals Blogger • 
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