NHL insider links Patrick Kane to the Edmonton Oilers.
Could the Oilers be out on Karlsson but in on Kane?
The Edmonton Oilers have been linked to some big potential moves ahead of the National Hockey League's trade deadline on March 3rd, including potential blockbuster trades that would involve players like San Jose Sharks star defenseman Erik Karlsson.
On Monday however, NHL insider Chris Johnston shared the latest on the Oilers trade front and effectively shot down the idea of a Karlsson trade while linking the Oilers to another superstar level talent.
On Karlsson, Johnston reports that the Sharks have refused to talk about any trade that would require them to retain anything more than 20% of Karlsson's contract, a decision that has effectively put the Oilers out of the running for Karlsson.
From Johnston:
The Sharks aren’t believed to have shown a willingness to retain more than 20 percent of Karlsson’s contract, which isn’t a number Edmonton can even start to work with. That will have to change if this has any chance of happening right now.
Interestingly enough Johnston did add that he believes the Oilers have some level of interest in Chicago Blackhawks star forward Patrick Kane, and you have to imagine that this could only have increased after Kane's 4 point performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday night. Perhaps most intriguing of all though, Johnston believes that Kane himself could be open to the idea of joining the Oilers.
Again from Johnston:
He’s certainly believed to be intrigued by the idea. What remains to be seen is if the Oilers decide to make Kane a priority – they’ve got mild interest, but seem to have other targets more squarely in sight.
While it's probably a long shot, it would be nothing short of extraordinary to see Patrick Kane suit up along the likes of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.