2 Penguins Legends Want Erik Karlsson in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas has been putting in work since day one on the job and some of the team's legends have noticed. And from the sounds of it, they'd like to work to continue.

The Penguins were confirmed by Erik Karlsson to be one of the four teams pursuing the Norris-trophy winning defenseman. And if it was up to Kris Letang and Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh would be paying up to complete the deal.

The two franchise legends were in touch with the Athletic and gave their stamp of approval for Dubas to continue trade talks. Pittsburgh continues to be the front runner and it seems like a three-way deal will be the end result, which is one of the many reasons this is a complicated process and why it remains at a bit of a stand still.

Karlsson has now confirmed multiple times, he's not interested in returning to San Jose next season and a trade will be worked out. When you put up over 100 points, teams want you on their roster, however when you have four seasons left at $11.5 million AAV, it's tougher than it seems to make the financials work.

The Athletic went as far as to confirm, Letang would be willing to step aside and let Karlsson have the first power-play reps with the Penguins. It seems like everyone is on board with the 33-year-old blueliner joining the roster in Pittsburgh. Now we just wait and see what Dubas and Mike Grier can mustard up before the start of next season.

Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports