Penguins Rumors: 3 Teams Linked to Erik Karlsson Trade

The Erik Karlsson sweepstakes have picked back up again at the right-handed defenseman had a strong showing at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. On the NHL season, Karlsson has appeared in 59 games this season for the Pittsburgh Penguins, recording 40 points. He's playing over 23 minutes per game and could help a Stanley Cup contender this season, and beyond.

Karlsson was a topic of discussion on 32 Thoughts as Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet dished on a few potential trade candidates for the veteran blueliner. The teams included the Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers and Karlsson's old team, the Ottawa Senators.

The 34-year-old has two seasons left on his deal at $10 million AAV cap hit on the Penguins' books, as Kyle Dubas would likely have to retain some money in the deal. The Panthers have some LTIR space to consider using, while the Stars continue to search for a top-four right-handed option for their blueline. The Senators have been linked to a Karlsson reunion for a couple of years now and with the team excelling this season, could certainly be looking to make a splash before the March 7 trade deadline.

The Penguins are kind of in the middle. They are selling but looking to NHL talent as they re-tool with hopes of improving, and bouncing back next season. With an aging core in Kris Letang, Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, Dubas has to try and keep the Cup aspirations alive, while navigating a struggling roster.

Pittsburgh currently has $10.8 million in deadline cap space to work with and own two 2025 first-round picks. If Dubas winds up landing another first rounder, look for it to be in 2026, when the draft will be much deeper.

Photo credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images