Erik Karlsson back to the Sharks, frankly I don't get how anyone would have thought differently. Jumbo's retirement or pay cut might pay for this raise. Today they dealt Justin Braun away (they have some good D prospects) to maybe pay for Meier's raise. Labanc due for a bump also. Pavelski is UFA, you have to wonder how that will play out. I think they will find a way to keep him.

The Jets have to pay Laine and others so they are doing the cap crunch thing. They already traded Trouba coming off a career season for Pionk and the No. 20 pick. I think that's nice return. Pionk can fill the void left by the decline of Enstrom as a guy who can really pass the puck and play the PP. No. 20 is also a decent pick. The Rangers get a big potential score but give up a piece of their D to do it. They are now looking at moving Ehlers, who might be a nice fit for a team looking for a forward with speed and some finish.

The Flyers have been active, they picked up two right-shot veteran defensemen with Niskanen and Braun. Both guys are in their 30s and trending in the wrong direction, but they are the *type* of players the Flyers need. Braun I think has decent bounceback potential, Niskanen might be in actual decline. Cost was Gudas, a 2nd and a 3rd for both so not exactly breaking the bank. They need bridge guys on defense. They will have those two plus Provorov, Ghost, Myers and a TBD guy to start the year. The Flyers are also close to signing Kevin Hayes, so Fletcher has been busy.

The Blackhawks got Olli Maatta from the Pens. Theoretically he is the kind of player they need--they could strike in a hurry but not defend for shit last year--but I suspect this might be a bust. Maatta is headed in the wrong direction and Kahun on an ELC plus a pick is pretty good return for him. The Pens want to reduce salary and reconfigure, they get both done here and will find a spot for Kahun in their top 6.

Speaking of the Penguins, Phil Kessel was nearly traded to Minnesota but he nixed the deal. It now looks as though he is staying but I wouldn't take that as a concrete fact. Sometimes a guy will get yanked from the market to invite offers. His situation is complicated though, mainly because he doesn't want to leave.

The Leafs are in a big cap crunch and are exploring ways out of it. It doesn't look like anyone will let them off the hook for the colossally stupid third year of Marleau's contract.

And you will know MY JACKET IS GOLD when I lay my vengeance upon thee.