Erik Karlsson is already back in the center of trade talk, and this time the chatter comes with a clearer path toward a deal if the Pittsburgh Penguins slip out of the race.
Harman Dayal of The Athletic recently included the Penguins defenseman among five NHL players who could emerge as trade candidates later this season. Dayal pointed to Pittsburgh’s place in the Metropolitan Division as the big swing factor.
"If Pittsburgh is in the playoff race again, which seems realistic considering how wide open the Metro Division is, Karlsson will almost surely stay through at least this season," Dayal wrote.
"However, if Pittsburgh regresses and falls far behind in the playoff race by the trade deadline, Karlsson, who owns a full no-movement clause, will face a fascinating decision: Does he want to chase a Stanley Cup or ride out the season in Pittsburgh, which he seems to enjoy on and off the ice, and decide on his future in the offseason?" Dayal added.
That’s the crux of it. Karlsson is in the final season of his contract, Pittsburgh is in the middle of a retool, and his name has already spent plenty of time in rumor discussions over the last few seasons. If he ever signals a willingness to move, he would bring back real value.
The production is still there. Karlsson put up 15 goals and 66 points in 75 games last season, and he has started this season with seven assists in seven games.
For now, the Penguins sit at 3-3-1 and are fourth in the Metropolitan Division, which makes any hard prediction premature. A lot can change between now and the deadline, and Karlsson’s situation will be one of the biggest storylines to watch. If Pittsburgh works out an extension with him, the trade talk goes away.
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What makes it more striking is how familiar the unease feels to anyone watching closely, even if the setting is different from some of the leagues other early-season messes. Pittsburgh does not need a deep dive to know the results have been off, but the real issue is the sense that the problems are showing up in the kind of conversations teams usually try to keep behind closed doors. [Read more 🡒]