The Penguins are likely headed nowhere this season. It gives Dubas the freedom for the first time in over a year to sell off veterans. One veteran that is certainly gone is pending UFA Erik Karlsson.
Karlsson currently leads the team with 19 points in 19 games. It’s obvious from his point totals that his elite offensive game hasn’t fallen off. His well-noted defensive struggles also remain, but the offensive contributions almost always supersede his defensive lapses. His age and the fact he’s a rental will lessen the return the Penguins get, but make no mistake, they will get a good return for Erik. It’s not too often a contending team can acquire a point-per-game, first-pairing defenseman.
Karlsson will have full control of where he goes, but if he allows the Penguins to shop him to any contender, Dubas will be able to maximize his value. It seems like one team is already circling Karlsson as a target they covet. It would be the same team Dubas did business with when the team began to retool, the Carolina Hurricanes.
Pierre LeBrun reported Carolina’s interest, and we’ll see where it goes. Many people who are interested in the NHL see an obvious fit between Karlsson and Carolina. Their style of play and need for a true offensive defenseman seem like a perfect fit. They also likely give Karlsson his best chance at capturing his first Stanley Cup.
Carolina could make his contract work, though the Penguins will likely retain some money to further drive up his return. The Hurricanes went after Karlsson before he was ultimately traded to Pittsburgh. This summer, they went after John Carlson before he went to Tampa. So it’s clear they still have a desire for a top-pair offensive threat.
Carolina also has the assets the Penguins covet. They have two firsts in 2028 (and one in 2027). The Penguins would want one of those for sure. They also have Alexander Nikishin, who requested a trade this offseason before signing a one-year deal in October. It’s possible the Penguins acquire Nikishin instead of maximizing draft capital on the return.
Regardless of what the hypothetical trade becomes, it looks like Carolina is the perfect match for Dubas to ship out his first big-name veteran.
