Stunning trade scenario emerges for Erik Karlsson - William Nylander monster swap!

While rumours have recently linked star defenseman Erik Karlsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Carolina Hurricanes, chatter has linked the San Jose Sharks’ blue liner to another Eastern club in a monster trade.

According to former longtime Rogers/Sportsnet employee Howard Berger, the Toronto Maple Leafs could have a shot at Karlsson, but only under one condition. The trade scenario would have to include forward William Nylander.

“I’m told that William Nylander is paramount in trade dialogue with San Jose for Erik Karlsson. Other parts to be included, strategically and financially. Landing Karlsson might end the 56-year Stanley Cup drought.”

It’s been known across the NHL that the Sharks and Karlsson are on the same page about working out a trade this summer. The blue liner is under contract for another four seasons with an $11.5-million cap hit, and no-move clause extends for the duration of the eight-year deal he signed with the Sharks four years ago. He is seeking a fresh start with a top contender, and the Maple Leafs could fit that bill. Toronto was previously linked to Karlsson, though that was when Kyle Dubas was in charge. It makes sense that he is going after Karlsson again, now at the helm of the Penguins.

It would be great to see Karlsson with the Maple Leafs, but the Canadian team just signed John Klingberg to a one-year deal. There is a need for short contract to give Toronto flexibility over the next couple of summers, especially with star players to re-sign, including Nylander.

The forward is said to want at least $10 million a season on his next deal, while the Leafs are apparently unwilling to go anywhere over $8 million a year. He is coming off his best career year, having reached 40 goals last season for the first time and being the leading goal scorer for the Maple Leafs and second overall in points.

If this trade rumour is serious, we are talking a significant swap! Would Karlsson consider the move? Would the Maple Leafs be able to make it work even if the Sharks retain part of Karlsson’s salary? Or would they have to make other trades to get this one monster deal done?

Stay tuned.

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