When the Pittsburgh Penguins brought Erik Karlsson on board before the 2023-24 season, the goal was clear: add another superstar to the lineup to make a serious run at the championship before Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin hang up their skates. Initially, things didn’t pan out as expected. Karlsson, while solid, wasn’t quite reaching the superstar heights of his past, and the Penguins found themselves missing the playoffs, with their championship window seemingly closing.
Fast forward to the stretch run of the 2025-26 season, and the story has changed. Karlsson is now playing at the elite level the Penguins were banking on, just when they need it most.
Karlsson Shines as Penguins' MVP
In a thrilling 4-3 shootout victory against the Ottawa Senators, Karlsson was pivotal, netting a goal and dishing out two assists. This performance capped off a stellar season and an even more impressive March.
With those three points, Karlsson now boasts 12 goals, 45 assists, and 57 points for the season. Since coming back from the Olympic break in late February, he’s racked up 22 points in 15 games, consistently driving play and creating scoring opportunities.
Playing at a Hall of Fame level-apt for a future inductee-Karlsson is delivering precisely what the Penguins envisioned. His contributions are even more crucial given the team’s thin defensive depth, a concern from day one. Karlsson isn’t just logging big minutes; he’s excelling, effectively anchoring the defense.
The Penguins have also been battling injuries, with Crosby and Malkin frequently sidelined. Crosby missed 11 games due to an Olympic injury, and Malkin faced a five-game suspension.
Even when they briefly returned, both were soon out again-Malkin with a fresh injury and Crosby exiting Thursday’s game with an undisclosed issue. In their absence, Karlsson has stepped up, shouldering the load and guiding the team through a brutal stretch of their schedule.
Karlsson’s resurgence is a key reason the Penguins have stayed in the playoff hunt. His performance not only meets but exceeds expectations, making him the undeniable team MVP this season. The Penguins needed a superstar, and Karlsson is delivering in spades.