NHL Rumors: Penguins Won't Include Certain Defenseman in Karlsson Trade Offer

The Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks have been talking trade for the past couple of weeks. The talks are centered around Erik Karlsson and the Penguins appear to be quite persistent about getting a deal done. 

Sharks GM Mike Grier is looking to continue his rebuild and isn't interested in a trade package that's loaded with veterans. San Jose is trying to get younger, in better financial shape, while setting themselves up to develop some young talent these next few seasons to eventually get back into the playoff picture in the West. 

The Penguins have a number of young defensemen who the Sharks have interest in, including Pierre-Olivier Joseph and Ty Smith, along with former first-round pick Owen Pickering. However, Grier apparently wants Marcus Pettersson to be involved in the deal and to this point, the Penguins are taking a hard pass.

Refreshing to know that, per 32 Thoughts open speculation, Marcus Pettersson would not be involved in any trade for Erik Karlsson. Dubas views him as mission critical to the upcoming season, which he is. Pettersson is a severely underrated defensive impact, among other things.

— Jesse Marshall (@jmarshfof) July 4, 2023

The 27-year-old Pettersson has two seasons left on his deal, at a very reasonable $4.02 million per season. He holds trade protection against eight teams and is coming off a season in 2022-23 where he put up 24 points in 68 games. 

Karlsson on the other hand, recorded 101 points in 82 games and won the Norris trophy as the league's best defenseman. He's 100% getting traded this summer, it just won't be in a deal with Pettersson involved. We'll have to wait and see if this is going to take the Penguins out of the running.

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