Fantucchio’s Focus: Karlsson Traded to Penguins; Dumba to the Desert

Good morning. My name is Andrew Fantucchio. It’s Monday, August 7, and here’s what I’m focused on around the NHL today.

Penguins acquire Karlsson from Sharks in three-team deal with Canadiens:

The trade the NHL has been waiting for finally happened, as the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired Erik Karlsson from the San Jose Sharks as part of a three-team deal with the Montreal Canadiens. Read how the trade impacts all three teams:

Penguins Trade Analysis: Dubas Gets His Man at Bargain Price

Karlsson Deal Is Tale of Two Trades

INSTANT ANALYSIS: Canadiens Winners In Karlsson Trade

Isles Playoff Hopes Slim in Crowded Eastern Conference:

Prior to the Karlsson trade, I wrote that the New York Islanders will have difficulty making the playoffs this season after much of the NHL’s Eastern Conference has improved. Now, that holds even more true.

Islanders’ Playoff Chances Slim in Crowded Eastern Conference

Coyotes Sign Matt Dumba:

Defenseman Matt Dumba inked a new one-year, $4 million contract to join the Arizona Coyotes on Sunday after sitting on the open market for months. And let me put this on the record; the Coyotes have the best Twitter out of every team in the NHL right now.

Yotes are a wagon. Dare I say the P word? pic.twitter.com/0g7YzbXIhl

— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) August 6, 2023

More From National Hockey Now:

Washington: Tom Wilson’s new extension carries several benefits for the Capitals in the long-run

Florida: Dmitry Kulikov is back where it all started with the Florida Panthers this season

Colorado: The Avalanche could still use some more depth on the blueline with the season right around the corner

Los Angeles: Adrian Kempe has become a breakout star for the Kings, and expectations are growing