from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,

- We are getting close to clarity on Erik Karlsson and San Jose. The Sharks have worked this hard. It is believed they’ve made him an offer that will challenge, if not surpass, Drew Doughty’s extension from last summer. Three weeks ago, I thought Karlsson was going back east for family reasons and a travel schedule that’s easier on the body. San Jose needs a decision, conversations have intensified, and I think they’ve got a shot.

- There’s a ton of trade talk. Among the most aggressive teams: Buffalo, Calgary, Chicago, Minnesota, Nashville, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Toronto, Vancouver, Vegas, Washington and Winnipeg. Depending on how the draft goes, we could see some frenetic attempts to move up and down.

The Sabres have talked to the Rangers about Jimmy Vesey. The Flames tested the market on James Neal. The Blackhawks are looking for a defenceman. Toronto’s asking price for Nikita Zaitsev is either another defenceman, or something they can use to get one. They will have no shortage of options if they do decide to move Nazem Kadri (Winnipeg is on his no-trade list, so he’d have to be approached about it.) Loui Eriksson’s agent, JP Barry, confirmed on Sportsnet 650 in Vancouver on Friday that it is time for the winger to move on. Other teams believe the Capitals are in total "go for it" mode.

- The buyout window opens Saturday. Names to watch: Scott Darling (Carolina), Andrew MacDonald (Philadelphia), Corey Perry (Anaheim) and Dion Phaneuf (Los Angeles). Dallas’s Valeri Nichushkin is under 26, so he can be bought out at one-third, (not two-thirds of) the money, which makes him very vulnerable. You always have to keep an eye on who might be injured, therefore ineligible for one.

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