The 2023 NHL Entry Draft is just a couple of days away, and there's still a ton of uncertainty about how things will play out.

It's all but guaranteed that the Chicago Blackhawks will take Connor Bedard with the first overall selection. What happens in the picks that immediately follow is far less certain.

Let's take a closer look and see if there's any value to be had.

2nd overall pick

Adam Fantilli is heavily favored to be chosen second - and rightfully so. He put forth a fantastic NCAA campaign, piling up nearly two points per game with Michigan. That's unheard-of for a freshman.

He topped a great season with a stellar performance at the World Hockey Championship in May, playing an everyday role for a Canadian team that claimed gold.

Fantilli is a puck-dominant center who plays a premium position and possesses high-end speed, skill, and NHL size (he's 6-foot-2).

Even so, there is some noise about whether the Anaheim Ducks may go in a different direction and take Carlsson instead.

He also brings a lot of size, speed, and skill to the table. And, under director of scouting turned assistant general manager Martin Madden, the Ducks have a long history of drafting Swedish prospects high in the draft.

At the end of the day, though, I see Fantilli going second.

3rd overall pick

Assuming Bedard and Fantilli are off the board, there is some value in getting Carlsson at this price.

If Michkov is out of the question due to the uncertainty around his future NHL availability, Carlsson is very clearly the best player remaining on the board. He also plays a position the Columbus Blue Jackets are in desperate need of.

The Blue Jackets have plenty of talent on the wing in Johnny Gaudreau, Patrik Laine, Kent Johnson, and Kirill Marchenko, with the latter scoring 21 goals in 59 games as a rookie. The organization severely lacks talent down the middle. The team needs a top-line center who can distribute the puck, threaten as a shooter, and hold his own against high-end competition. Carlsson can fill that role.

I could see Will Smith being considered here, but this seems like a no-brainer for the Blue Jackets. Carlsson checks all of the club's boxes.

4th overall pick

This is where things get interesting. The teams in the top three can all easily justify their selections - and passing on Michkov - because they're getting the best player on the board (Bedard) or top-four talents at arguably the most important position in the sport (Fantilli and Carlsson).

Smith is a fantastic prospect, but he's not quite in the same tier as Michkov in terms of raw talent and upside. If all else was equal, Michkov would be a safe bet here.

That's not the case, which means Sharks GM Mike Grier has a very difficult decision to make in his first NHL draft. The Sharks won't be overly competitive for a few seasons, and Grier is early in his tenure, so he has the safety net to play the long game. He doesn't need to chase immediate results. There is a difference between immediate results and guaranteed results, though.

If we fast-forward three years, Michkov will likely be able to impact a game more than almost anybody else on this list. But will he be available to do so?

Passing on a potential top-line weapon in Smith only to be left empty-handed would be tough for the rebuilding Sharks.

With an implied 58% probability of taking Smith, he seems to carry a bit of value.

5th overall pick

This is a fun spot, and it may be best to double dip here. Ryan Leonard is a fantastic goal-scorer who works his tail off and provides value by doing dirty work. He makes a lot of sense for a Canadiens team that could use more of those elements.

If the draft plays out with Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson, and Smith going off the board in the first four picks - no matter the order - there is a better than 36% chance the Canadiens take Leonard with the fifth overall pick.

That being said, I think Smith is worth a sprinkle as well. The Canadiens don't have a ton of center talent in the organization, and Smith is a high-ceiling pivot who could pile up the points while Nick Suzuki plays more of a two-way role and focuses on the difficult matchups.

If Michkov goes in the top four, I think Smith will be the pick. I would rather play Smith to go fifth at +500 than Michkov fourth at +320. In a way, this feels like banking on Michkov to go fourth at a much better price than if you simply bet into that market.

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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Pekka Rinne is back with the Nashville Predators.

The team hired the franchise legend as a European development coach and scout Monday.

Rinne spent his entire 15-season NHL career with the Predators. He captured the Vezina Trophy in 2018 and holds every major franchise mark among goaltenders with Nashville. He retired in July 2021.

The 40-year-old will work alongside Predators goaltending coach Ben Vanderklok to oversee goaltenders in the organization, including prospects overseas. He'll also scout European-based goalies for the franchise. Rinne will be based in Finland but will travel to Nashville and Milwaukee to attend team camps.

Nashville retired his No. 35 in February 2022, making him the first player in Predators history to receive the honor. The team unveiled his statue at Bridgestone Arena in March.

Rinne was Finland's goaltending coach at the 2023 world junior, and he was a special alumni advisor with the Predators last season.

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Many of the top potential unrestricted free agents in this year's class appear likely to remain or at least strongly consider remaining with their current teams. Some of them would be wise to do so, but re-signing wouldn't be the best course of action for all of them.

There's very little drama when it comes to notable pending UFAs like Patrice Bergeron, Jonathan Toews, and David Krejci, who will likely either return to the clubs they've played with for the duration of their careers or hang up their skates. Even many of other names near the top of the list like Tyler Bertuzzi, Ryan O'Reilly, Alex Killorn, and Adin Hill seem destined to re-up with their clubs.

That being said, there are some players for whom a change of scenery would clearly be preferable. Here's a handful of soon-to-be UFAs who should try to relocate.

Jonathan Drouin

Perhaps no NHLer is in more dire need of a fresh start than Drouin. The playmaking forward's Montreal Canadiens tenure was doomed from the get-go due to the lofty expectations that accompanied being acquired for promising defenseman Mikhail Sergachev, who ultimately blossomed into a reliable top-four blue-liner and helped the Tampa Bay Lightning win back-to-back Stanley Cups. Drouin also dealt with the pressure of being a Quebec-born player suiting up for the Habs.

His trajectory after the trade has been repeatedly disrupted by injuries. Drouin was limited to 58 games this past season and played only 34 in the previous one. The 28-year-old frequently showed what he could do when healthy despite often playing center when he's more comfortable on the wing. While Drouin scored only 10 goals combined over the last three campaigns, he did collect 27 assists during his abbreviated 2022-23 season - his sixth with Montreal - for nearly half a helper per contest.

There's certainly risk involved in signing a player like Drouin who's sustained numerous injuries, and he may have to settle for a shorter-term, "prove it" deal as a result. But it's abundantly clear Drouin and the Canadiens should part ways.

Laurent Brossoit

Yes, that's Brossoit lifting the Cup earlier this month, but it was Adin Hill who grabbed the No. 1 job and ran with it after Brossoit got hurt in the second round of the playoffs. Brossoit impressed down the stretch of the regular season, and while that was only an 11-game sample, his .927 save percentage and subsequent experience starting the Vegas Golden Knights' first eight games of their championship run will likely inspire some teams to call his agent.

The Golden Knights have a crowded and uncertain goaltending depth chart, with Robin Lehner's future still murky, talented rookie Logan Thompson recovering from an injury of his own, and the fact that Hill, Brossoit, and Jonathan Quick are all pending UFAs. Still, Vegas appears focused on getting Hill re-signed. If that happens, it seems unlikely Brossoit will be able to carve out the bulk of the workload.

So unless he's interested in serving as a backup yet again or even returning to the AHL in the defending champions' organization, Brossoit could look to parlay his late-season success and brief playoff experience into a contract with a team that will give him consistent starts.

Erik Gustafsson

Gustafsson played a much less significant role with the Toronto Maple Leafs than he did with the Washington Capitals, as the Leafs clearly acquired him for defensive depth ahead of the playoffs.

The journeyman blue-liner was in the midst of a productive season when the Capitals traded him to the Maple Leafs in late February. Gustafsson posted 38 points, including seven goals, in 61 games with Washington while averaging 20:22 of ice time. He collected four assists in nine contests with Toronto following the swap but played just 15:45 per game. His underlying numbers also declined.

The Leafs have other pending UFAs on the back end - namely Luke Schenn and Justin Holl - but they're right-handed, whereas Gustafsson is a lefty. Toronto is set on the left side with Morgan Rielly, T.J. Brodie, and Jake McCabe, so Gustafsson would be hard-pressed to regularly crack the lineup unless he plays where he's not most comfortable.

The Swede has shown some offensive skill over several seasons and could ride his performance with the Capitals to a new deal outside Toronto where he can get more playing time.

James van Riemsdyk

The Philadelphia Flyers and new general manager Daniel Briere appear to be on the verge of initiating an all-out rebuild, having traded Ivan Provorov in early June before attempting to move Kevin Hayes and Tony DeAngelo in separate deals that hit snags over the weekend.

It's safe to say Van Riemsdyk wouldn't be thrilled to be part of a team that's torn down. If it gets to that point, the 34-year-old should look to join a contender.

The American winger isn't the player he once was and definitely shouldn't expect a cap hit anywhere near the $7 million he has on his expiring contract. But Van Riemsdyk drove possession on a bad Flyers team this past season, so he still has something to offer potential suitors in additon to his experience and occasional flashes of his old scoring touch.

Kevin Shattenkirk

Shattenkirk is in a similar situation to Van Riemsdyk, though the veteran defenseman does have a Stanley Cup ring from his season with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2019-20. Just like JVR, the Anaheim Ducks blue-liner is also 34 years old, and Shattenkirk has spent the last three campaigns with the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks.

The Ducks have some promising youngsters and could eventually contend again down the road, but that's not likely to happen next season. Shattenkirk won't break the bank as a free agent as his game has also predictably declined with age. But while he might have at least a third-pairing role virtually locked up on a not-so-deep Anaheim squad, he should test the UFA waters if he wants to play for a winner.

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The 2023 NHL Draft begins Wednesday, so theScore's Kyle Cushman, Nick Faris, John Matisz, and Josh Wegman projected all 32 first-round picks. Our first mock, published after the lottery in May, can be viewed here.

Connor Bedard, C, Regina (WHL)

Drafting Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane in successive years springboarded the Blackhawks to three championships. The arrival of Bedard, a deadeye shooter and hockey genius, makes the franchise relevant again, even though Chicago's current roster is brutal by design. Bedard's ready to light up NHL goalies, but the team should still be bad enough to select a star sidekick in 2024.

Adam Fantilli, C, Michigan (NCAA)

If Bedard's a grand slam for Chicago, Fantilli's a home run for Anaheim. A first overall pick most other years, the power forward combines an advanced skill set (high-end skating, stickhandling, shooting) with enticing physical attributes (6-foot-2, 195 pounds). Scouts also rave about the Hobey Baker Award winner's compete level and strong character. The Ducks are surely considering Leo Carlsson, but Fantilli's ultimately the right choice.

Leo Carlsson, C, Orebro (SHL)

Carlsson cemented his status as the third-best player in the class after a quality showing at the World Championship (three goals and two assists in eight games). The Blue Jackets desperately need a franchise center, and the 6-foot-3 Swede - who models his game after Anze Kopitar, Evgeni Malkin, and Aleksander Barkov - could be just that.

Will Smith, C, USNTDP U-18

Though the Sharks are tempted by Russian Matvei Michkov with their longer timeline back to relevancy, they ultimately decide to go with a future first-line center in Smith. On the heels of a monstrous season with the U.S. national program, Smith solidified his top-five position at the under-18 worlds in April with a whopping 20 points in only seven games. The highly creative, offensive pivot is headed to Boston College in the fall.

David Reinbacher, D, Kloten (Swiss National League)

Defensemen are always drafted early: The last time none were taken within the first five picks was in 2003. The opportunity to land Reinbacher, the best blue-liner in this cohort, dissuades the Canadiens from drafting Michkov. Reinbacher shoots right, moves the puck cleanly, plays a complete defensive game, and has shouldered big minutes in Switzerland's top pro division.

Ryan Leonard, RW, USNTDP U-18

The Coyotes opt to avoid uncertainty, passing on the wild card that is Michkov. In Leonard, Arizona gets the closest thing in the class to Matthew Tkachuk. The Massachusetts native and Boston College commit is a dogged forechecker with fantastic hockey sense and a wicked shot. Leonard projects to be a play-driving winger in the NHL - an archetype the Coyotes could use.

Matvei Michkov, RW, Sochi (KHL)

The Flyers aren't about to let Michkov fall any further. Sure, there are concerns about his signability, as the 18-year-old's KHL contract runs through the 2025-26 season. But Philadelphia's just beginning its teardown/rebuild under new general manager Daniel Briere. They're likely willing to wait a few years if it means one day having a dynamic offensive weapon like Michkov.

Dalibor Dvorsky, C, AIK (Allsvenskan)

Don't be fooled by the narrative around Dvorsky's perceived high floor and low ceiling - there's actually plenty of offensive upside in the prospect. He's been a dominant player against his peers and a leader with Slovakia on the international stage at a young age. The Capitals will be ecstatic to add an exciting center to their pipeline with the club's first top-10 pick since 2007.

Zach Benson, LW, Winnipeg (WHL)

Because Benson is 5-foot-9 and not explosively fast, there's a slight chance he could tumble to the Red Wings at No. 17. Enamored with what he does well, Detroit opts to nab him ASAP instead. A battler with an active stick and elite vision, Benson's a legitimate difference-maker in all three zones. Except for Bedard, no draft prospect in the Canadian Hockey League topped his 98 points in 60 games.

Nate Danielson, C, Brandon (WHL)

The Blues are thrilled to snag Danielson, who fits the mold of a "typical St. Louis Blue." He's a relatively big, 200-foot player with wheels and versatility in his game. Danielson's responsible, wins faceoffs, protects the puck well, and is equipped with pretty good puck skills. St. Louis is the only team with three first-round selections, so going with a high-floor player here makes sense.

Tom Willander, D, Rogle (J20)

The Canucks selected Axel Sandin Pellikka in our last mock, but they're tapping a different right-shot Swedish defenseman this time around. Willander's stock has been on the rise of late. He isn't as dynamic offensively as Sandin Pellikka, but he's bigger (6-foot-1), superior defensively, and one of the best skaters in the draft.

Axel Sandin Pellikka, D, Skelleftea (SHL)

After landing Leonard at No. 6, the Coyotes address a glaring need for high-end potential on the back end with Sandin Pellikka. The Skelleftea product has played significant minutes for Sweden at the U18s and world juniors as a puck-mover and power-play quarterback. Arizona needs blue-liners who can get the puck to its forwards of the future, and Sandin Pellikka fits the bill.

Colby Barlow, LW, Owen Sound (OHL)

Tickling twine is Barlow's forte. The OHL's fifth-leading goal scorer potted 46 in 59 games. Barlow, who kills penalties and is lauded for his stickhandling and competitiveness, netted 12 game-winners to pace the entire CHL. He becomes the seventh forward Buffalo has drafted in Round 1 since 2019, joining the likes of Dylan Cozens, Jack Quinn, and Matthew Savoie.

Oliver Moore, C, USNTDP U-18

Moore is a perfect first pick for new executive Kyle Dubas. Hailed as the best skater in the class, the 5-foot-11, 195-pounder is relentless on both the forecheck and backcheck and is armed with a quick release and good hockey sense. In other words, Moore should mesh well with longtime coach Mike Sullivan's system in Pittsburgh. First, though, he's off to the University of Minnesota.

Brayden Yager, C, Moose Jaw (WHL)

There are several enticing wingers in the Predators' prospect pipeline but very few centers. There's no guarantee the 5-foot-11, 170-pound Yager sticks down the middle, yet his speed and high motor give him a fighting chance. His defining trait is his wicked shot, which will play at any forward position.

Matthew Wood, RW, UConn (NCAA)

New GM Craig Conroy made it clear in his introductory press conference that he's looking for players who want to be in Calgary. After the departures of Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk last summer and given the impending exodus of the remaining core, selecting Wood - who has only three years until he can elect free agency - may seem bold on the surface. Despite playing in the NCAA, the UConn product is from nearby Lethbridge, seemingly mitigating any potential concerns about whether he would sign with the Flames. His package of size and skill is too tantalizing to pass up at No. 16.

Dmitri Simashev, D, Yaroslavl (MHL)

The Red Wings' corps of mobile, imposing young defensemen expands to include the 6-foot-4 Simashev, who drew into 18 KHL games in his draft year. Fleet of foot and physical when needed, Simashev is the fourth player taken at his position. Detroit will be pleased if he eventually slots in behind Simon Edvinsson on the left side.

Gabe Perreault, LW, USNTDP U-18

The Jets select the best player available. Perreault set a record for most points in a single season by a U.S. national program player in his draft year, with an eye-popping 132 in 63 total games. The son of former NHLer Yanic and brother to Ducks prospect Jacob, Perreault gets high marks in the hockey IQ and playmaking categories. He can finish his own scoring chances as well.

Samuel Honzek, LW, Vancouver (WHL)

Honzek is another gem to come out of the rapidly improving Slovak development system. A rangy, competitive, 6-foot-4 winger with good speed and two-way ability, he could be the ultimate complement to Bedard one day.

Quentin Musty, LW, Sudbury (OHL)

Musty is among the most enticing high-upside swings in the back half of the opening round thanks to his immense skill and power forward frame. The New York native was on pace for 100 OHL points this past season before getting injured in January. The Kraken are quite familiar with Musty's game, seeing as he manned the opposite wing of Seattle prospect David Goyette.

Eduard Sale, LW, Brno (Czech Extraliga)

Headlined by Marco Rossi, Brock Faber, and Jesper Wallstedt, the Wild's prospect pool is superbly talented and well-rounded. They get deeper on the wing by adding Czechia's top 18-year-old. The 6-foot-2 Sale shines and coasts in spurts, but at his best, he can strain defenses as a shooter, dangler, speedster, or passer through tight windows.

Oliver Bonk, D, London (OHL)

Bonk, a fairly safe choice here, complements the Flyers' bet on Michkov. He's a right-shot blue-liner with offensive skills, an active stick, and a strong gap. The son of longtime NHLer Radek is a projected top-four NHL defenseman.

Riley Heidt, C, Prince George (WHL)

Heidt is a polarizing prospect, but there's no denying his ceiling. His incredible hands and vision allowed him to tear up the WHL with 72 assists this season, tying Bedard for the league lead. Nice value for New York.

Andrew Cristall, LW, Kelowna (WHL)

Incoming GM Barry Trotz wants his scouting staff to take swings on high-end talent, and nobody fits that description quite like Cristall at this stage of the first round. Only outscored on a per-game basis by Bedard among CHLers in the class, Cristall is arguably the most divisive prospect this year with his immense offensive potential but lackluster skating and small frame. The Preds prove Trotz's statement of intent was no bluff with this upside swing.

Daniil But, LW, Yaroslavl (MHL)

Nifty with the puck for a 6-foot-5 behemoth, But is a natural finisher who beats goalies from distance. He netted 35 goals in 81 games over the past two Russian junior seasons. But skated in 15 KHL contests in 2022-23, suggesting he could compete against men for most or all of next year.

Mikhail Gulyayev, D, Omskie (MHL)

Gulyayev is a smart, undersized defenseman who put up 25 points in 22 games in Russia's top junior league. He's a menace in transition thanks to his advanced skating and puck skills. The main reason Gulyayev is still around at No. 24: his size. However, the Sharks gladly scoop him up to pair with Smith.

Calum Ritchie, C, Oshawa (OHL)

The Avalanche really need a long-term second-line center behind Nathan MacKinnon. While this pick doesn't fill that void immediately, it gives Colorado someone in the pipeline who could eventually be that guy. The 6-foot-2 Ritchie has all the tools to be a top-six pivot, he just lacks the necessary consistency at times. At No. 27, rolling the dice on someone with his upside is a worthwhile gamble.

Otto Stenberg, LW, Frolunda (SHL)

Stenberg revitalized his stock with a terrific U18s, matching William Nylander's single-tournament scoring record for a Swede. After an underwhelming season in the Frolunda system, the hope is that his underage campaign and international results are the true Stenberg, not the player who was outscored by two other draft-eligible skaters on his U20 team. Possessing an exhilarating shot, Stenberg makes for a mighty fine first pick of the Brad Treliving era, even if Toronto's new GM isn't involved in the selection process.

Lukas Dragicevic, D, Tri-City (WHL)

The Blues' first-round haul is balanced. They add a center in Danielson, a winger in But, and a right-handed defenseman in Dragicevic, the playmaker who compiled a 27-game point streak in the WHL. Dragicevic's puck poise and prowess as a power-play quarterback are worth betting on in this range.

Gavin Brindley, RW, Michigan (NCAA)

Brindley has "future Carolina Hurricane" written all over him. The Florida native is a speedy forechecker whose compete level is off the charts. Brindley had a great first year in the NCAA, collecting 38 points in 41 games while playing against older and bigger competition (he's 5-foot-8, 168 pounds).

David Edstrom, C, Frolunda (SHL)

It might be tough for the Canadiens to pass up QMJHL product Ethan Gauthier here, but Edstrom is one of the few pure centers in this draft. He doesn't dazzle offensively, but he's 6-foot-3 and skates very well, putting him in the mold of a two-way pivot such as the Wild's Joel Eriksson Ek.

Bradly Nadeau, LW, Penticton (BCHL)

A two-time BCHL champion, Nadeau has one of the best shots in the class. He tallied 62 goals in 71 games across the regular season and playoffs, capturing the league and postseason MVP awards in the process. The University of Maine commit is a boom-or-bust swing. He's a worthwhile pick for Vegas, which has only one prospect taken in the first round in the pipeline.

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San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson doesn't want to end his career without winning a Stanley Cup and is hopeful he'll be traded to a contender this summer.

"I've played with too many guys throughout my career that are amazing players and should be winners and should have won that never did," Karlsson said Sunday, per NHL.com's Dan Rosen. "I don't want to be that guy. I want to win. That's not to say that I'm going to win. I want an opportunity to win.

"If that opportunity is not in San Jose right now within my timeline, then that's just the unfortunate part of business."

Karlsson enjoyed a resurgent 2022-23 campaign in which he suited up for all 82 games for the first time since 2015-16. He netted 25 goals and 101 points, becoming the first blue-liner to hit the century mark since Brian Leetch in 1991-92.

Thanks to his efforts, Karlsson is in line to win his third career Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman at the 2023 NHL Awards on Monday.

Karlsson said he thinks plenty of teams would like to acquire his services but acknowledged that few squads could pull it off. The 33-year-old has four seasons left on his deal and carries a hefty $11.5-million cap hit.

Though the ball is largely in Karlsson's court because of his no-move clause, he said he doesn't have his heart set on a particular team.

"You just have to make the playoffs, and you have a chance to win," he said. "Look at Florida. They shouldn't have made the playoffs. They did, and they went to the Cup Final. They beat Boston. We all thought Boston was going to win. There are no guarantees, I just want a chance."

Karlsson hasn't appeared in a playoff game since 2019. The Sharks have missed the postseason in each of the last four campaigns.

"I'm the best when you need to be the best. But if I don't have the chance to get to the place where you need to play the big games, then I might as well not do it," he said, according to Sportsnet's Luke Fox.

"I could go through 82 games a year and be good, but I want to play when (it) matters."

Karlsson was also named a first-time finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award in May, which goes to the "most outstanding player" as voted on by members of the National Hockey League Players' Association.

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San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson doesn't want to end his career without winning a Stanley Cup and is hopeful he'll be traded to a contender this summer.

"I've played with too many guys throughout my career that are amazing players and should be winners and should have won that never did," Karlsson said Sunday, per NHL.com's Dan Rosen. "I don't want to be that guy. I want to win. That's not to say that I'm going to win. I want an opportunity to win.

"If that opportunity is not in San Jose right now within my timeline, then that's just the unfortunate part of business."

Karlsson enjoyed a resurgent 2022-23 campaign in which he suited up for all 82 games for the first time since 2015-16. He netted 25 goals and 101 points, becoming the first blue-liner to hit the century mark since Brian Leetch in 1991-92.

Thanks to his efforts, Karlsson is in line to win his third career Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman at the 2023 NHL Awards on Monday.

Karlsson said he thinks plenty of teams would like to acquire his services but acknowledged that few squads could pull it off. The 33-year-old has four seasons left on his deal and carries a hefty $11.5-million cap hit.

Though the ball is largely in Karlsson's court because of his no-move clause, he said he doesn't have his heart set on a particular team.

"You just have to make the playoffs, and you have a chance to win," he said. "Look at Florida. They shouldn't have made the playoffs. They did, and they went to the Cup Final. They beat Boston. We all thought Boston was going to win. There are no guarantees, I just want a chance."

Karlsson hasn't appeared in a playoff game since 2019. The Sharks have missed the postseason in each of the last four campaigns.

"I'm the best when you need to be the best. But if I don't have the chance to get to the place where you need to play the big games, then I might as well not do it," he said, according to Sportsnet's Luke Fox.

"I could go through 82 games a year and be good, but I want to play when (it) matters."

Karlsson was also named a first-time finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award in May, which goes to the "most outstanding player" as voted on by members of the National Hockey League Players' Association.

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The Los Angeles Kings could be on the verge of landing Winnipeg Jets forward Pierre-Luc Dubois, as the Western Conference clubs are engaged in talks about a trade involving the coveted player, reports the Winnipeg Free Press' Mike McIntyre.

The Jets' return package is believed to include Kings forwards Gabriel Vilardi and Alex Iafallo. A pending restricted free agent, Vilardi netted a career-high 23 goals and 18 helpers in 63 games this season, while Iafallo chipped in with 36 points in 59 contests.

Dubois is a pending restricted free agent with arbitration rights who can become a UFA next summer. It was reported in early June that his agent, Pat Brisson, told the Jets that Dubois wasn't interested in inking an extension with Winnipeg and Brisson wanted to work with the Central Division squad on facilitating a trade.

Two weeks later, the Kings reportedly joined the Montreal Canadiens and other teams in the pursuit of Dubois.

The Kings don't have much financial wiggle room at the moment, with approximately $9 million in cap space, four pending RFAs of their own, and a key pending UFA in goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, according to CapFriendly. Dealing Vilardi would account for one of Los Angeles' RFAs, while Iafallo carries a $4-million cap hit.

Dubois' desire to exit Winnipeg has been among the worst-kept secrets in the NHL for some time. Almost one year ago to the day, he reportedly informed the Jets he planned to test free agency in 2024.

The 6-foot-4, 214-pound skater, who plays at both center and left wing, is coming off a one-year, $6-million pact he agreed to with the Jets last July. Dubois is believed to be seeking an annual salary in the $9-million range, per McIntyre.

Dubois collected 27 goals and 36 assists over 73 contests with Winnipeg this past season, finishing with career highs in goals per game, assists per game, and points per game. Dubois averaged 18:27 of ice time in 2022-23, his second-best season-long workload after he averaged 18:55 in 2021-22.

He played part of one season and then two more full ones with the Jets after the Columbus Blue Jackets traded him to Winnipeg five games into the 2021 campaign. Dubois spent his first three in full with the Jackets, who drafted him third overall in 2016.

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The Arizona Coyotes re-upped goaltender Connor Ingram on a three-year pact, the team announced Sunday.

Ingram was a pending restricted free agent. His pact carries an average annual value of $1.95 million, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

He appeared in 27 games for the Coyotes this season, posting a 6-13-8 record to go along with a .907 save percentage and 3.37 goals against average.

"We are very pleased to sign Connor to an extension," general manager Bill Armstrong said. "Connor is a good young goaltender who played well for us last season. He and Karel Vejmelka provided us with a strong goaltending tandem. We look forward to having him back between the pipes."

Arizona claimed the 26-year-old off waivers from the Nashville Predators prior to its first game of the 2022-23 campaign.

The Tampa Bay Lightning drafted Ingram 88th overall in 2016. Three years later, the Predators acquired him from the Bolts in exchange for a 2021 seventh-rounder.

Ingram owns a .905 save percentage and 3.40 goals against average in 30 career NHL outings. He appeared in four playoff games for the Predators in 2022, memorably making 49 saves in his first-ever postseason start against the Colorado Avalanche.

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