The NHL world was shocked when the Montreal Canadiens sent franchise defenceman P.K. Subban to the Nashville Predators for Shea Weber, but the 2013 Norris Trophy winner could be on the move again.
TSN's Frank Seravalli listed his top 25 trade candidates for the summer, and he dropped a major rumor about Subban being traded - this time for another Norris Trophy-winning defenceman:
"Montreal still may not be over the trade that sent P.K. Subban to Nashville two years ago, but there is lots of chatter that Subban might be on the move again. The Preds will need to commit significant dollars to Roman Josi and Ryan Ellis in each of these next two summers, plus Kevin Fiala this summer.
The hot rumour has been some kind of deal that involves sending Karlsson to Nashville for Subban. Right now, Subban is owed $36 million, which is a small percentage of what Karlsson will ultimately receive."
Erik Karlsson was the subject of trade rumors leading up to this year's deadline, given that the Ottawa Senators were in the midst of a horrible season and the fact he can enter free agency next year.
According to CapFriendly.com, the Predators only have approximately $7.5 million in salary cap space. Josi has two years remaining on his current deal, and he'll seek a massive raise from the $5.25 million he's currently earning. As for Ellis, he's slated for free agency next year - and could nearly double the $3.5 salary he'll receive for 2018-19.
Without a doubt, the Predators will have a tough time keeping all three of their elite blueliners - and Kevin Fiala will also take up much more money, as Seravalli noted. Add it all up, and it makes sense as to seeing why the Predators could have to trade Subban.
And given how much budget-conscious Sens' owner Eugene Melnyk is, swapping Karlsson - who could seek a contract north of $80 million - for a guy owed just $36 million more would make plenty of sense.
Of course, Sens GM Pierre Dorion has mentioned that he will be offering Karlsson an eight-year pact to stay in the nation's capital. Karlsson's wife is from Ottawa and he loves the community, so it's no sure-thing that he leaves.
But if the Senators and Karlsson can't come to terms on a new deal, trading him for another superstar blueliner would be a win-win for both sides. It may sound crazy at first, but if Subban can be traded once, he can be moved again.
This could be one crazy and awesome NHL offseason, full of major trades that could change the landscape of the league.