Erik Karlsson Returns to Penguins Lineup Ahead of Matchup With Oilers
The Penguins got a major boost on the blue line with Erik Karlsson returning to action after being activated from injured reserve on January 22. The three-time Norris Trophy winner had been sidelined with a lower-body injury since January 13, and while the exact moment of the injury wasn’t clear, his absence was certainly felt.
Before going down, Karlsson had been producing at a steady clip - four goals and 29 assists over 44 games - a reminder of just how vital he is to Pittsburgh’s puck movement and offensive rhythm from the back end. His return comes at a key point in the season as the Penguins look to solidify their playoff positioning in a tightly contested Metropolitan Division.
The Penguins wasted no time getting Karlsson back into the mix. He logged 6:48 of ice time in the first period against the Edmonton Oilers, helping Pittsburgh jump out to a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes at Rogers Place. It’s a welcome sight for a team that’s leaned heavily on its veteran core and needs Karlsson’s elite skating and vision to keep pace in the East.
To make room on the roster, Pittsburgh placed fellow defenseman Ryan Graves on injured reserve. Graves had been filling in during Karlsson’s absence, recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton when the injury first occurred. The timing of Graves’ own injury is unclear - he played over 18 minutes in a recent win over the Flames - but his absence will now test the Penguins' depth on the blue line.
Graves, 30, has appeared in 19 games this season, tallying one goal and eight penalty minutes with a minus-2 rating. While not a flashy presence, he’s been a steady contributor in a supporting role. His IR designation now shifts more responsibility to the remaining defensive corps, especially as the Penguins navigate a critical stretch in the schedule.
Karlsson’s return also comes on the heels of his selection to Team Sweden for the upcoming 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games - another nod to his continued excellence on the international stage. With over 900 career points in 1,128 NHL games, Karlsson remains one of the league’s premier offensive defensemen, and his ability to dictate pace from the back end is something few players can replicate.
Heading into the matchup with Edmonton, the Penguins held a 24-14-11 record, good for 59 points in the Metropolitan Division. With Karlsson back in the lineup and the offense clicking early against a high-powered Oilers team, Pittsburgh is hoping this marks the beginning of a strong second-half push.
For now, all eyes are on how Karlsson reintegrates into the lineup - and if his return can help spark a team that’s looking to make serious noise down the stretch.