Crazy Trade Prediction Sends Erik Karlsson to an Interesting Eastern Conference Team
Erik Karlsson is having an outstanding season. After his blockbuster trade from the Ottawa Senators to the San Jose Sharks, injuries got in the way of his amazing play. Now aged 32, it looks like he may be in a second prime of his illustrious career.
While his $11.5-million salary is still tough to swallow, he is the exact type of piece contenders are looking for. He has playoff pedigree, he can be a power play quarterback, and he is a leadership presence. A trade prediction by The Bleacher Report would send �EK65' to a team that needs exactly that.
The Toronto Maple Leafs seem to have all of the pieces they need to make an impact in the playoffs. Their top-six is nothing short of fantastic, and for the first time in several years they have a competitive goaltending tandem.
However, their defense lacks, especially with injuries to most of their top guys in Morgan Rielly, TJ Brodie, and Jake Muzzin.
They lack a true power play quarterback, as Morgan Rielly's defensive game is negligible, and after four years of first round exits, adding a player with true leadership pedigree could be what gets them over the hump.
He's already won-over head coach Sheldon Keefe:
Kyle Dubas is on the last year of his contract with the team, and his career could be riding on the Leafs making it out of the first round. He thus will be motivated to make a splash.
The trade prediction goes as follows:
Toronto acquires:
- Erik Karlsson (50% Retained)
San Jose acquires:
- Matthew Knies
- Jake Muzzin
- Picks
This is a fair deal for both sides, as the Sharks bolster their prospect pool, while the Leafs go all-in for the playoffs.
Do you think this is a feasible trade?
| POLL | ||
Do you think Erik Karlsson could help the Leafs get past the first round? | ||
| Yes | 102 | 55.7 % |
| No | 81 | 44.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
