Evan’s NHL Daily: Kovalenko Is Coming, More Karlsson Trade Talk

Erik Karlsson knows he’s likely headed to another NHL team sometime in the near future, but what team is that? That’s still to be determined, and he’s spoken with quite a few teams at this point.

With the Colorado Avalanche, the big news came out of Russia, as Nikolai Kovalenko’s KHL squad confirmed he will be signing an NHL contract very soon.

All that and more in this Sunday edition of Evan’s Daily.

Colorado Hockey Now

We took a look at the organizational depth chart for the Colorado Avalanche, but from the sounds of it, we know we can add one more player to the chart by the end of the season…

And why is that? Because Nikolai Kovalenko is coming. Torpedo in the KHL confirmed that he will sign a contract with the Avalanche soon, but will be loaned out to the KHL next season. That clears the way for him to join the Avalanche once the KHL season is over.

In other news over in Russia, Mikhail Gulyayev is now 18, which means he can ditch the full shield.

First practice without a cage ✔
Mikhail Gulyayev is 18, he's a big kid.#KHLPreseason pic.twitter.com/VeZfX5e7pk

— KHL (@khl_eng) July 19, 2023

NHL Trade Talk

Erik Karlsson has confirmed he has spoke to multiple NHL teams, including the Kraken and Maple Leafs about joining their teams, and that’s not all, apparently.

One thing is very clear – he is “not OK” staying with the Sharks. Both sides know a divorce is needed, but it’s a matter of finding the right fit.

We’ll likely hear of Ilya Samsonov‘s arbitration ruling on Sunday, but once that comes down, the Maple Leafs will have to make some moves.

National Hockey Now

Florida: July 22 is now officially Matthew Tkachuk day for the Panthers, as it’s been a year since they acquired him from the Flames.

Philly: The Flyers probably won’t be good, but are they the worst team in the NHL?

Buffalo: How Ralph Krueger almost ruined the Sabres.

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