Erik Karlsson wants to join a contender

Although the Edmonton Oilers could use a top defenseman like Karlsson, they are struggling with their cap space while trying to fit in other players.

Unfortunately, the league's flat-cap system makes cap space a luxurious commodity.

The Oilers' general manager, Holland, could potentially trade Jack Campbell and other forwards to make room for Karlsson, but it would require signing multiple depth forwards to fill out the roster.

While not an ideal solution, it's a possibility because when you need depth, you get it when you can.

Maybe Cogliano, but there's more than one way to skin a cat and more than one way to secure Karlsson's services.