from Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times,
Karlsson got his wish, teaming up with Kucherov and Stamkos for most of the two 3-on3- games the Atlantic Division team played.
“I was really happy about that one,” Karlsson said, smiling. “That’s two pure goal scorers with great hockey sense. So for me, who doesn’t shoot the puck as well anymore, nice to have those guys on each side.”
Watching the trio make magic Sunday had Lightning fans dreaming of a more permanent reunion. Karlsson will be an unrestricted free agent after next season, but his comments about wanting to make what he’s “worth” is driving speculation he could be available at the Feb. 26 trade deadline. Stamkos joked he dropped hints about the Lightning to every player in the Eastern Conference dressing room. Karlsson did hang out with Stamkos at fellow Swede Victor Hedman’s house Friday night. Hedman is a good friend of Karlsson.
“I think everyone kind of knows what’s going on around the league, and most of the guys in here know each other,” Karlsson said. “Obviously there’s a few comments tossed around everywhere, but at the end of the day, it’s all in fun.”
The Lightning will likely try to address its blueline at the trade deadline, and Karlsson very well could be a pipe dream for most teams. But Karlsson won’t be the only All-Star who could be available, with Stamkos noting that Red Wings right-shot defenseman Mike Green, a pending unrestricted free agent, likely being a “hot commodity.”
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