Elliotte Friedman says sources believe Erik Karlsson is going to the Maple Leafs

Insider Elliotte Friedman says one of his sources has a theory that Erik Karlsson could eventually wind up in Toronto because of who now works behind the Leafs' bench.

Alfredsson joined the Leafs in July as an associate coach on Jim Hiller's staff after three seasons as an assistant in Ottawa.

He was already the Senators' captain when Karlsson broke into the lineup, and the two shared a dressing room for years.

Mats Sundin, another Swedish icon, also holds a senior advisory role in hockey operations alongside general manager John Chayka. That is a lot of familiar faces for a veteran who may want a say in where he ends up.

Karlsson is 36 and in the final year of an eight-year, $92 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, carrying an $11.5 million cap hit. He also holds a no-movement clause, which means he has full control over whether any deal happens.

Toronto would need to create significant cap room to absorb that number, and any asking price would be measured against what is essentially a one-season rental.

Nothing about this is imminent, and Friedman framed it as a theory rather than a done deal. Pittsburgh's place in the standings will go a long way toward deciding whether Karlsson ever becomes available, and Toronto's own cap picture will determine whether a deal is workable.

Still, with Alfredsson and Sundin both in the building, the Swedish thread gives this rumor more substance than most.

Leafs fans should keep one eye on Pittsburgh as the season unfolds, because Karlsson would add a different dimension to Toronto's blue line if the pieces ever align later this season.

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