Canes Daily: Karlsson Talks With Carolina, Kurashev Awarded New Deal

The Erik Karlsson trade saga has entered another week, leaving San Jose with less and less leverage in a deal with potentially Carolina, Pittsburgh, or another suitor.

As he prepares to leave the west coast and head elsewhere, Karlsson confirmed with TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnson that he has spoken with the Hurricanes along with Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Toronto.

For the recent Golden Puck Award winner, which is given to Sweden’s best hockey player, he had a simple statement with a new chapter in front of him.

“I just want the best chance to get to the best team,” Karlsson said.

Carolina certainly seems positioned to be the best team involved in trade talks, but don’t discount Pittsburgh or Toronto.

In the Central division, Chicago Blackhawks forward Philipp Kurashev was awarded a 2-year, $4.5 million contract on Sunday following an arbitration hearing last week. The 23-year old has spent three seasons in Chicago, most recently recording nine goals and 16 assists in 70 games.

Joining Kurashev in earning a deal through arbitration was Toronto netminder Ilya Samsonov, who received a one-year, $3.55 million deal. Samsonov compiled a 27-10-5 record last season with a .919 save percentage.

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