KARLSSON TOO PRICEY FOR OILERS

TORONTO, ON — The Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks have been engaged in trade discussions involving superstar defenceman Erik Karlsson throughout the season, but there may not be a move to be made by the time the clock strikes 3pm ET on March 3.

As much as the Oilers would like to add Karlsson to their roster, a well-placed source close with knowledge of the situation told me on Tuesday that a deal is considered unlikely, unless the Sharks shift their mindset and are willing to retain a significant portion of Karlsson’s contract.

Karlsson, 32, has four years left on his contract after this season and comes with a $11.5 million salary cap hit. As I mentioned on NHL Tonight on NHL Network earlier today, I’m told the Sharks are willing to retain between $2 million and $3 million of that annual cap figure, but do not have the appetite to eat much more.

Oilers GM Ken Holland was believed to be seeking upwards of $5 million of Karlsson’s AAV to be retained when the two sides spoke. It sounds like there haven’t been any recent serious discussions between the two clubs as a result.

On top of the salary retention, the Sharks want a serious package in return and taking back some assets simply to make the money even out isn’t exactly in the cards without a major offer.

The Oilers checked in on Vladislav Gavrikov from the Columbus Blue Jackets, but balked at the price tag, which is believed to include a first-round draft pick, something Holland doesn’t appear to be willing to give up for a rental. As I reported earlier today, the Blue Jackets and Boston Bruins have the framework of a trade in place pending the Bruins clearing additional cap space in a separate deal. It’s possible that deal falls through if another team slides in with a better offer.

If the Oilers are set on adding a mobile defenceman by the trade deadline, they could turn to Shayne Gostisbehere of the Arizona Coyotes or John Klingberg of the Anaheim Ducks, two players they’ve already inquired about.

Holland is still trying to find a new home for right wing Jesse Puljujarvi and his $3 million cap hit, and it’s clearly been a more difficult task than he originally thought.

One potential option could be the Vancouver Canucks, whom I’ve been told are willing to take on a contract or two as a third party.

The Canucks aren’t the only team willing to play middleman, but with $7.62 million in LTIR cap space, there is an opportunity for them to fill up their cupboard with extra draft picks.

With 10 days to go until the trade deadline, and upwards of 50 players realistically readily available, some executives are starting to spread the “buyer’s market” phrase around the League. This could result in some teams, like Edmonton or even Tampa Bay, waiting until the 11th hour before making a move with hopes sellers get desperate enough to take back a smaller return for some of their assets.

This could also mean we see limited activity, which doesn’t mean zero, in the days leading up to deadline day.

As we wait on the Gavrikov finale, Luke Schenn’s trade destination, the Jakob Chychrun situation to play itself out, Patrick Kane’s decision (any day now), the St. Louis Blues to keep dealing, and Timo Meier to move, there should still be a solid amount of movement come the deadline.

TIP-INS

• Last week, Ottawa went into a bit of frenzy when I reported the Senators reached out to the Calgary Flames about Mackenzie Weegar (sorry, it happened). Well, GM Pierre Dorion is trying to find a right shot defenceman and has asked the Blues about Colton Parayko. Coincidentally, as I mentioned last week, so have the Flames.

• If the Islanders decide to move a piece or two by the deadline, and that might be a big if right now, don’t be surprised to hear Semyon Varlamov’s name linked to the Vegas Golden Knights, as it has in the past. Another goalie Vegas is keeping tabs on is Cam Talbot.

• The Pittsburgh Penguins want to add to their bottom-six, that’s no secret. Add them to the Ivan Barbashev sweepstakes.

• Keep an eye on Adam Henrique in Anaheim. The Ducks are open to a number of options and while it could simply be talk, he’s a player that seems to be generating a little more interest, of late.