Earl Karlsson trade rumors: 5 teams that should make deal

2. Tampa Bay Lightning

Normally, it would go against protocol to trade someone like Karlsson to a divisional rival. But we’ve already put the Leafs on here and the Atlantic is the weakest division in the NHL this year. They’re likely only going to have three playoff teams, and the third will probably be out in the first round. With the Tampa Bay Lightning sitting at 26-6-2 and nine points up on the second place Leafs, they’re in complete control of the Atlantic.

A team like the Lightning don’t need Karlsson, but they would like him if they want to shift the competitive balance of the NHL. And after they came so close to winning the Stanley Cup in 2015, they don’t want to leave anything to chance this time around. A starting group consisting of Namestnikov, Stamkos, Kucherov, Hedman and Karlsson would be deadly, and it would bring the super team debate to the NHL.

Tampa Bay has built this juggernaut of a team because of smart management. Nikita Kucherov’s contract is hands down the best value in the NHL, while Ondrej Palat and Tyler Johnson would be worth more than $5 million if they hit the open market. Even Steven Stamkos’ deal was regarded as a bargain when he signed it, considering he probably would’ve earned an eight-figure paycheck had he gone to another team.

Trading for Karlsson would likely force Tampa Bay to part with some of their blue-chip prospects, such as Mikhail Sergachev and Callan Foote, and picks. But if there’s a GM that can get him for less than that, and convince Karlsson to stay long-term, it’s Steve Yzerman.