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Anaheim Ducks: Erik Karlsson trade to Pacific Division is “Very Close”

By Chris Bushell

ANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 13: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators skates prior to a game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on January 13, 2016 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 13: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators skates prior to a game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on January 13, 2016 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Anaheim Ducks
VANCOUVER, BC: Vancouver Canucks Center Adam Gaudette (88) skates against the Arizona Coyotes during the first period on April 05, 2018, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC. (Photo by Bob Frid/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Vancouver Canucks:

Per Cap Friendly, the Canucks, as of writing this, have about $9.2M in cap space. This is enough to absorb Karlsson’s current cap hit of 6.5 but not a ton of space to re-sign him after this season. The Canucks who are currently in a re-build would also have to give up some high-end prospects to get the job done. Players such as Bo Horvat, Brock Boesser, Adam Gaudette, or Jake Virtanen could be asked for along with some draft picks in return. This all for a player the Canucks aren’t sure they’d be able to re-sign.

I don’t see them parting with these young up and coming players as they attempt to re-build. If they do, however, and even with Erik Karlsson being the talent he is, I don’t think it tips the scales in the Pacific. Vancouver feels to me like the Ottawa of the Western Conference. Yes, the Canucks will have a good D-core with Karlsson, Alex Edler, and Michael Del Zotto but that’s it. Their forwards have the ability to be good but they are still young and unproven.

Ducks Panic Meter: 2/10: Karlsson to Vancouver improves their defense but still leaves them young forwards and shaky goaltending. To be honest, I’m not sure if the addition of Karlsson elevates the Canucks into playoff contention. They would still struggle to reach the top half of the Pacific Division standings.

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