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Earl Karlsson trade rumors: 5 teams that should make deal

By David Rouben

BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 12: Erik Karlsson
BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 12: Erik Karlsson /
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WINNIPEG, MB – DECEMBER 3: Blake Wheeler #26 of the Winnipeg Jets and Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators keep an eye on the play during third period action at the Bell MTS Place on December 3, 2017 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Jets shutout the Senators 5-0. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, MB – DECEMBER 3: Blake Wheeler #26 of the Winnipeg Jets and Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators keep an eye on the play during third period action at the Bell MTS Place on December 3, 2017 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Jets shutout the Senators 5-0. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images) /

3. Winnipeg Jets

The Winnipeg Jets are quickly becoming one of the most dominant teams in the NHL. They made it to the playoffs in 2015 for the first time since moving back to Winnipeg, but they got swept by the Anaheim Ducks. Now, after Patrik Laine exceeded all expectations in his rookie year, with Mark Scheifele developing into one of the best centers in the league and an 18-10-5 record, they’re one of the teams to beat in the West this year.

Last season, the Jets’ poor play on defense and in goal was their downfall. Even though they have a talented blue line, with Jacob Trouba, Dustin Byfuglien, Tyler Myers and rising star Josh Morrissey anchoring the defense, they have a hard time staying healthy. Myers was limited to 11 games last season, and they’ve already lost Byfuglien and Tobias Enstrom for an extended period of time this year.

But even so, their defense looks much improved, and Connor Hellebuyck has taken the next step in his development as a starting goaltender. A trade for Karlsson would signify the Jets’ intentions to go all out this year, but it’ll cost them. Considering Trouba’s history with Jets management, he’s a strong candidate to go the other way. In addition to him, a winger like Kyle Connor, two prospects and a pick would probably be required to get the deal done, but it would be more than worth it.

As a franchise, the Jets/Atlanta Thrashers still have yet to win a single playoff game. With the Jets looking like they’ll return to the playoffs for the first time in three years, they need to trade for Karlsson to indicate that they aren’t just happy to be there. At the very least, they should attempt to go for it at the trade deadline.

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