Trade Watch: Penguins Haven't Asked Erik Karlsson to Waive No-Movement Clause

With less than a week to the NHL's trade deadline, the Pittsburgh Penguins have yet to ask veteran defenseman Erik Karlsson to waive his no-movement clause.

President Kyle Dubas is working hard to try and re-tool on the fly, while making his roster younger, and many felt with Karlsson's performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off, he'd be a prime trade candidate before Friday's deadline. While a lot can change in a few days, for now, Karlsson is a Penguin.

"Obviously, with my situation, I have full say on whether anything happens or not," Karlsson said following Pittsburgh's 6-5 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday, per Trib Live's Seth Rorabaugh. "I have not been asked, and until I do get asked, whenever that is, and if that is, I'll take a stance.

"Until then, I'm not worrying about it. I have nothing to worry about because I would be the first one to know, I'm sure. Then, I'll deal with that situation if that occurs. Up until now, it hasn't. It hasn't been on my mind, and it's not something that I'm walking around thinking about."

Karlsson is under contract through the 2026-27 season at $10-million AAV, as the San Jose Sharks have retained $1.5 million of the Swedish blueliner's remaining contract. So far in 63 games with the Pens this season, Karlsson has recorded a respectable 45 points.

As far as potential suitors go, the Ottawa Senators and Dallas Stars appear to be the favorites. Meanwhile, the Penguins are expected to continue to be active before the 3pm deadline Friday, as Dubas looks to get his team back on track. If things don't change in Pittsburgh soon, Dubas is going to be on the hot seat.