NHL Trade Rumors: Will the Edmonton Oilers land superstar Erik Karlsson?

As we move closer and closer to the trade deadline, NHL trade rumors continue to heat up, with the Edmonton Oilers at the forefront. The team from Alberta continues to be heavily linked to San Jose Sharks superstar defenseman Erik Karlsson, with a deal seeming more and more likely.

"Media rumors linked the Edmonton Oilers to the San Jose Sharks and Erik Karlsson this past weekend. How can they maneuver within the salary cap @SpectorsHockey’s Rumour Roundup:" - The Hockey News

The 32-year-old Swedish defenseman has been in trade rumors all season with the San Jose Sharks seemingly entering a rebuilding phase. It appears that both parties would be interested in the move, with the Edmonton Oilers seeing themselves as true Stanley Cup contenders.

While the trade may be inching closer to completion, the main issue plaguing a potential deal is the financial aspect. Karlsson has a gigantic $11.5 million cap hit and has four more years left after this one, which may end up as a franchise-crippling albatross as he ages.

The San Jose Sharks are allowed to retain up to 50% of Karlsson's salary, which would still leave the Oilers with a hefty $5.75 million cap hit. The teams will need to sort out the financial side of the deal in order to turn the trade rumors into a reality.

According to a report from Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, the San Jose Sharks were willing to retain only 18 percent ($2.07 million), however, they may have changed their minds in recent days. However, if they have not, that would leave $9.43 million for Karlsson's potential new club.

"This article was titled who the #LetsGoOilers 'should' target. If they make a move for Erik Karlsson, even at 50% salary retained, Edmonton would need to shed multiple players and have limited ability to make any moves for multiple seasons." - Ian Kennedy

As we get closer to the March 3 trade deadline, the trade rumors surrounding Karlsson will only continue to get stronger and stronger as time goes on. If the Edmonton Oilers are unable to land Karlsson, they have been linked in trade rumors with other defensemen, including Luke Schenn of the Vancouver Canucks and Jakob Chychrun of the Arizona Coyotes.

A look at other trade rumors linking Erik Karlsson to teams other than Edmonton

While Karlsson's salary will unquestionably be the most difficult obstacle for his new team to overcome, it has not deterred teams from inquiring about the talented blueliner. The Seattle Kraken, Buffalo Sabres, Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets have all been mentioned as potential trade candidates for the 2023 All-Star.

"Should the Kraken be more interested in trading to grab a F like Bo Horvat, or in grabbing a D like Erik Karlsson? I think I lean towards grabbing a D man, the offense seems more consistent and productive" - @passthekrak