The value for Karlsson is there, but Kotkaniemi is probably the last person on ours or the Canes' radar for this trade.

What the hell is that EK trade? You want a 2C, a 2LD, AND The guy breaking Cale Makar's UMass School records AS WELL as a 1st 2nd and 3rd? And you're only retaining 3? This is the kind of package that needs San Jose to eat 50% and then EK needs to be funneled through the Virgin Islands (I think the NHL equivalent is called the Coyotes) to get him at a quarter of his cap hit. This is a monstrous overpayment

It is a monstrous overpayment, but I think kotkanemi (while still young and could improve) is not really a 2C and his contract isnt great

Both of those statements are incorrect. He had an incredible second half of the year and playoffs. He just turned 23 and is signed at a very good cap hit before the cap jumps next season. He's not getting moved.

oh no doubt but a 40 pt 2c is gonna be tough to win the cup with, but for sure he could/ will improve. His contract is still a decent risk, is all I meant. Sharks are not really in the market for more centers as it is the only position with which we have any decent depth. Hertl-Couture-Smith-Bystedt-Bordeleau, doesn't make a lot of sense to acquire someone who would be a long term 3c as a major piece, especially when we have such glaring depth issues at Goalie and no number 1 d man in our pool

That gets laughed off the phone and makes all EK trade talks break down with the canes. Now you’re left with a pens offer with no competing bid against it.

Think we need to be more realistic with the EK trades. I know we're interested, but the Timo deal shows that Waddell will hold to a fair offer and even if he gets beat, it won't be as lofty a return as expected. The Canes are interested so I think something gets worked out. My thoughts - I believe they will ask around $2M in retention from SJ and involve another team for $2M. Just a guestimate. Roster players like KK, Necas, Jarvis will NOT be involved. Perhaps Drury. Morrow not likely involved but a good D prospect and/or a good forward prospect could be. I can see Skjei moving. Pesce would need to be traded to make room for EK, but Skjei is no longer needed with the Orlov signing. Slavin-Orlov-3LHD now. That's where additional money gets cleared.

What? He had a 60 point pace after Christmas once his shooting percentage was no longer 2%, he's a 2C. He's a defensive monster already, and he's 23 signed to less than 5 a year. He's a great player with a great contract.

Definitely seems like an overpayment for Karlsson at 3m retention. I'd probably be happy even with an underpayment for him if it meant Morrow was coming back though.

No need to involve other players from SJ. Only interested in Karlsson. Get that all the time, but he is the only piece coming this way. That's usually done to mask an overpayment, but it's a bit transparent.