From the Branches: trade tease

Happy Thursday, everyone.

Yesterday was fun, in that it seemed (for a couple hours, at least) like two amazingly dumb teams were going to do something amazingly dumb together.

There is a sense today that Erik Karlsson trade talks have picked up in the last few days. Most likely destinations appear to be Western Conference. There is also a belief VAN has stepped in to see if it is a match.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 22, 2018

The only loser in this scenario is Erik Karlsson. Sadly, it all turned out to be a trade tease.

Quick conversation with Canucks' GM Jim Benning, says there is no truth to the Canucks being in the Karlsson trade conversation.

— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) August 22, 2018

We all know that Jim Benning is physically incapable of lying to the media, so sadly this means that we’ll just have to wait and watch both teams do spectacularly dumb things with other people.

Here are some other links:

ICYMI

CWHL News: Furies sign Olympic silver medalist Sarah Nurse - Pension Plan Puppets
The former Badger will be the second overall pick in the 2018 Draft.

Maple Leafs top 25 under 25: #9 Connor Brown is always there - Pension Plan Puppets
The Maple Leafs steady 3rd liner falls to the bottom of the top 10.

Women’s Hockey Wednesday links: How does the 2018 CWHL Draft work? - Pension Plan Puppets
Also Blake Bolden signs with the Beauts, the 2019 Worlds schedule and logo are out, and the Whitecaps have a new logo.

Other news

Who are the best tryouts still out there? - PensBurgh
The Pittsburgh Penguins won’t be among those looking for veteran try out candidates but there are many familiar names

Hextall said it’s not a re-injury, that Couturier was 100 percent healed from prior injury. "It’s not the exact same spot,” Hextall said.

— Dave Isaac (@davegisaac) August 22, 2018