Rumor: Erik Karlsson wants to play in Tampa Bay

On the 31 Thoughts Podcast, Elliotte Friedman mentioned he feels the San Jose Sharks will do their best to re-sign Erik Karlsson, however, he feels Karlsson is interested in signing with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The contract will have to be a bit of a bargain as the Lightning have some cap issues, but with the expected departure of Ryan Callahan and potentially a couple other veterans under the new management team, their could be room for Karlsson under the cap.

The consensus is Karlsson needs to head back to the eastern conference as you take way more punishment in the western conference and the travel is much worse.

Erik Karlsson will be one of the most coveted free agents on the market, but with surgery expected in the next couple of weeks, teams will be lining up, however, don't expect to see any 7 year deals being offered.

Where will EK end up?