We are past the refreshing social media pages every 15 minutes stage of the Erik Karlsson pursuit. The offseason has cooled down in that regard. Information has been limited. It has been a slow burn. The latest update isn’t a game changer. It does lean towards being more positive for the Penguins
Cont'd: "That's the thing about the danger about reporting this, that it seems to change from time-to-time...I think Carolina has got a number in mind, at this point in time, I don't think San Jose is going to get to, so we'll see what Pittsburgh can do"
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) July 20, 2023
It is a game of chicken between the Hurricanes and the Penguins on who can hold out the longest until the price drops into each teams respective wheelhouse. It has seemed as though the Hurricanes are only content with stealing Karlsson for a very low cost. Although, they may be on the cusp of a salary cap maneuver to lessen the need for salary retention.
Friedman on the Hurricanes (NHLN): "I think they've talked to some teams about Teravainen, if they need to make some cap room, I think Carolina has a few things going on out there"
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) July 20, 2023
The Penguins throughout this process aren’t showing desperation despite their need to try and supercharge their roster. Patience would be the likely reason for a potential deal being completed on terms that make sense for Pittsburgh. There is a fine line between patience and missing out. A cap clearing Teravainen trade would change the calculus. For now, things remain the same.
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