Fansided

Anaheim Ducks should jump in on Erik Karlsson sweepstakes

By Blake Navarro |
OTTAWA, ON - MARCH 26: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators walks through the player tunnel for warm-ups prior to an NHL game against the Anaheim Ducks at Canadian Tire Centre on March 26, 2016 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/NHLI via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - MARCH 26: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators walks through the player tunnel for warm-ups prior to an NHL game against the Anaheim Ducks at Canadian Tire Centre on March 26, 2016 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Erik Karlsson saga is being played out in Ottawa this week. Reports say a deal may be close, sending him elsewhere. The Anaheim Ducks still have a chance to get involved.

A tweet was sent out earlier this week from an NHL “Insider” claiming that the Anaheim Ducks are in on the Erik Karlsson sweepstakes. Although the source was not confirmed and came from an unreliable account, the Ducks should still try to make a play for the Ottawa captain.

Anaheim can offer many options the Senators may like in return for their two-time Norris Trophy-winning defensemen. I’m not a general manager. I am a Ducks fan tossing out an idea for acquiring one of the best players in the game.

What it Might Take

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The Ducks have a boatload of young talent. With the likes of Sam Steel, Max Jones, and Maxime Comtois, the Ducks future is bright. So bright that they may be able to send a few of these younger guys to Ottawa for Karlsson. But young players alone might not do it. The Senators will probably want an NHL ready player in return as well.

We all know that the price for EK65 is a going to be a big one. Who can blame Ottawa for wanting to maximize their return? He’s the best defensemen in Hockey (Sorry Kings fans, it’s true). So what can a possible trade be for the Ducks to land Erik Karlsson?

Maybe it’s something like a Josh Manson, plus a prospect like Sam Steel/Max Jones, plus a couple of high-end draft picks. Ottawa is going to ask for a ton in return. If the Ducks want in, they are probably going to have to part with a Manson or even players like Brandon Montour or Hampus Lindholm in return.

If the Sens want a forward, look for someone like Jakob Silfverberg to head back to the Canadian capital. He’s the forward that makes the most sense to be involved in a big move. Actually, Silfverberg has to go. Karlsson is due for at least $10M per season. The Ducks have to dump his salary to open enough cap space.

The Wrap

Next: Bob Murray's big disconnect

Karlsson is still in Ottawa. The Ducks have enough resources to make a deal happen. They shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to get this game-changing talent.

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