Aiden Hreschuk is on the verge of becoming a UFA as the Columbus Blue Jackets have opted not to sign the Boston College defenseman before the August 15 deadline. Meanwhile, trade discussions surrounding New York Islanders' goaltender Ilya Sorokin have surfaced, with whispers of potential moves heating up. Additionally, the Toronto Maple Leafs have shown significant interest in acquiring Erik Karlsson from the Pittsburgh Penguins, with speculation that salary retention may be necessary. Karlsson, at a $10 million cap hit, could help bolster Toronto's blue line, especially in the wake of losing Marner. The Leafs are also pursuing Dougie Hamilton from the New Jersey Devils for similar reasons, indicating a clear strategy to improve their offensive output from the defense.