why you wouldn't bring back heinen is beyond me.

Tell me where he fits other than the 4th line. I don't think paying Heino 2-2.5M per year as a fourth liner is wise.

I’d rather sign a free agent center than trade a second round pick plus Merkulov for Karlsson.

Fair, just will cost more for a decent center (i.e. Lindholm, chandlerson)...probs looking at 6-7M plus

I mean Karlsson (31) at 3 x 5.9mm or Lindholm (29) at 7x7mm? 7x8mm? I know Lindholm had a down year which lowers his cost but the lack of quality centers will get him paid nonetheless. I like the shorter deal here so I think Karlsson would be sweet. Now would Vegas get a better offer than that? Almost certainly.

You can pursue Lindholm or Stephenson. Karlsson seems like another third line center option as opposed to a top 6 replacement