It would be a brutal trade for the isles. They aren’t trading Dobson for Karlsson.

I highly doubt Karlsson would waive for NYI. They're good but not a contender.

If they added Karlsson they would very close to contention imo.

Maybe. But Karlsson won't leave SJ for a maybe. He loves living here and has never requested a trade. If he's going to leave it's going to be for a definite contender.

If they added him for this years playoffs I agree. The issue is there’s less than a 1% chance he has a similar impact next season

I get the CAP neutral approach, but SJS is clearing $7.5mm for three more seasons beyond next year that is due to a player heading into his mid-30s. Plus they're getting one NHL guy, a likely second player, and a decent pick.

We're taking a $9mm gamble that Karlsson doesn't revert to the 45-50 point guy he was for several season before last year's blowout.

After next season, SJS has $7.5mm to go shopping.... that can buy a lot of offense.

If Sharks added Barabanov to that deal, would it be better for Isles?
Add Barabanov and put Wahlström instead of Salo?

Walstrom plays regular minutes in their top 6 iirc. I doubt they have any interest in moving him. With their LD depth and the emergence of Bolduc Salo is probably the most available