Evan’s NHL Daily: Karlsson Trade Finally Done, Perspectives From All Sides

It’s done. It’s finally done. The NHL and the other GM’s in the league can go back to hanging out in the summer cottages for another few weeks, because the Erik Karlsson trade has finally been completed, and we’ve got perspectives from all three parties involved. That’s what happens when all the teams involved are in the NHN Network.

With the Avalanche, I just had some quick Sunday thoughts about what they should do on defense.

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

Colorado Hockey Now

With Matt Dumba signing in Arizona on Sunday, there really aren’t any clear upgrades on defense left on the free agent market. That’s why I wrote that the best thing for the Avalanche to do right now is just be patient.

On Monday, the Ryan Johansen film room and analysis will be ready for CHN+ subscribers. It’s a big one, with more video clips than the Drouin one from last week. That’s what happens when you play more.

If you are interested in becoming a CHN+ subscriber, the code “evan10” gets you a year subscription and ad-free experience for just $19.99! The Universal subscription to all NHN sites is nearing the finish line, and when that’s completed, you’ll have access to + content everywhere.

NHL Trade Completed

Erik Karlsson is finally a member of the Penguins, as Pittsburg, San Jose, and Montreal completed a 3-team trade on Sunday to get it done.

For the Penguins prospective, check out PGHN. They think the trade is a massive win, but that Kyle Dubas can’t be done just yet. He’s really going for it with an aging core.

Sheng at SJHN had details of the trade before everyone else, and here’s his analysis of the move from the Sharks perspective.

And Montreal? Well, they did pretty well themselves for just helping facilitate everything.

My thoughts? It makes sense for the Penguins to go for it again. They’re locked in with their core, so might as well try to add to them. Do I think they’re a top tier team in the NHL? No, but this increases their chances of making the playoffs exponentially. They also got rid of some dead weight. The Sharks were in a tough spot, and the return shows that.

As for when the Avalanche will see Erik Karlsson at Ball Arena again, it will be a while.

The #GoAvsGo will host Erik Karlsson’s new team on March 24, 2024.

The last time he was at Ball Arena… pic.twitter.com/uUxYJKELrT

— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) August 6, 2023

National Hockey Now

Florida: Dmitry Kulikov is back where his heart belongs.

Philadelphia: It’s only preseason, but Matvei Michkov is starting off hot in the KHL.

Washington: Why the Tom Wilson extension makes sense.

Carolina: The Hurricanes were after Erik Karlsson. Now, they’ll see him a lot.