Dan’s Daily Links: Erik Karlsson, Tavares, Kovalchuk & Jeff Skinner

DALLAS — It’s finally here–NHL draft weekend. It’s like Thanksgiving leading to the July 1 Christmas.

The Ottawa Senators are playing coy regarding their plethora of talented veterans, like goaltender Craig Anderson, who could put a team–oh, say the New York Islanders or Philadelphia Flyers–into the conversation of the lower tier of contenders instead of struggling to make the playoffs because of goaltending woes. Senators GM Pierre Dorian has been mum. (Bruce Garrioch, Ottawa Sun)

The Islanders are apparently close to solving their goaltending issues.

#isles also close to acquiring Grubauer. Hearing it’s one of their first round picks

— Hockey 24|7 (@iamhockey1) June 22, 2018

The NHL Schedule was released yesterday–Here are the highlights from our Shelly Anderson (Pittsburgh Hockey Now).

TSN’s crew took a swing at the big topics, from Karlsson to Illya Kovalchuk and the Vegas Golden Knights (TSN).

The Carolina Hurricanes have been busy bees. From the owner’s housecleaning after the season to the draft rumor mill, including Justin Faulk and Jeff Skinner, Carolina could look radically different next season. The Penguins have been tied to Jeff Skinner, as have the St. Louis Blues. Long-time beat reporter Luke DeCock got in on the excitement (The News & Observer)

Sportsnet went for the big headlines today. They spared nothing with “Is This the End of Max Pacioretty and the Montreal Canadiens?” It’s a good read. If you can predict what the Canadiens will do this week, you could make a Biff Tannen fortune. (Sportsnet).

Off to another event! See you from the draft floor!