Report: Oilers make an aggressive move for Erik Karlsson

According to multiple online reports, Edmonton Oilers general manager Ken Holland took a couple giant risks yesterday, sending trade offers to both the San Jose Sharks and the Chicago Blackhawks for the likes of Erik Karlsson and Patrick Kane, respectively.

We've heard rumors for weeks that the Oilers had interest in both these players, but it wasn't until yesterday that we had official confirmation of a potential trade. TSN insider Chris Johnston reported earlier this week that the Oilers and the Sharks have re-engaged in trade talks surrounding Karlsson, but that there are major financial hurdles for the teams to overcome in order to consummate a deal.

Yesterday, Oilers insider Jason Gregor of TSN 1260 confirmed that the Oilers have indeed submitted an offer to the Sharks for Karlsson and are waiting to hear back on a counter-offer.

Obviously, the Oilers would be landing an absolute STUD of a defenseman if they can land Karlsson, but at what cost? You have to imagine that the Sharks will simply be happy to offload Karlsson's enormous contract and won't be seeking much in the way of assets for a deal. Then again, Karlsson has re-established himself as a Norris Trophy candidate this season. But is that worth $12 million a year for the next four seasons? Tough pill to swallow...

Interestingly enough, Sportsnet NHL's insider Elliotte Friedman also reports that Holland and the Oilers are interested in Chicago Blackhawks superstar Patrick Kane and engaged in trade negotiations with the team yesterday in an attempt to woo Kane to Edmonton. Friedman reports that the Oilers "reached out" to Kane, but so too did the Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights and the Toronto Maple Leafs. In other words: The Oilers have competition if they want to land Kane.

It remains to be seen with both Karlsson and Kane, but it's important to note that any deal the Oilers make between now and the NHL's March 3rd trade deadline must be a nearly exact "dollars in for dollars out" type deal where they cannot afford to take on any salary. This means that a tricky financial acquisition becomes even more tricky... so stay tuned.