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Erik Karlsson, Pittsburgh Penguins (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Penguins Could Still Trade Erik Karlsson This Summer

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Sylvie McCarthy | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 2:30 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Penguins have officially entered the offseason. Pittsburgh missed the playoffs for the third season in a row, which is a streak they are desperately trying to break. General manager (GM) Kyle Dubas has a busy summer ahead that could include some big trades.

Will the Penguins Trade Erik Karlsson?

Erik Karlsson’s name has been at the center of the trade rumors since before the 2025 Trade Deadline. Even though he was not moved at the deadline, there is still a strong possibility he could be leaving the Steel City this summer. He joined the Penguins in 2023 after a trade with the San Jose Sharks where he had just come off a 101-point, Norris Trophy-winning season.

Karlsson’s time in Pittsburgh has come with very mixed reviews. Although there is no denying his talent, it is safe to say he has not quite lived up to the hype. In the 2023-24 season, he tallied 56 points and this season, he ended with 53 points. He has shown flashes of his elite talent over the past two seasons but has struggled with consistency.

Karlsson participated in the 4 Nations Face-Off in February for Sweden, recording a goal and three points in three games. During the tournament, he was on a pairing with Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm, and he looked the best he’s looked in a couple years. He was more decisive and more confident, and his offensive game was on another level.

Playing with an elite talent like Ekholm obviously brought out the best in Karlsson. It is no secret that he is still chasing his first Stanley Cup, and his performance at the event more than likely garnered the attention of some GMs around the league.

There are several teams that could use some help on defense. For example, the Detroit Red Wings desperately needs an upgrade on the right side and they have the cap space to make that happen. The Red Wings have missed the playoffs for nine-consecutive seasons, which is a streak they are obviously looking to break. Karlsson’s style of play would fit well with them, and GM Steve Yzerman did not do much at the deadline so it’s definitely time for him to make a move.

The Carolina Hurricanes are another team that may be interested in Karlsson this summer. They have been linked to him before, and Carolina defenseman Brent Burns turned 40 this year and will be a free agent at the end of their season. They may try to make a move on the Penguins blueliner despite having very little wiggle room when it comes to cap space.

Penguins Offseason Will Be One To Watch

There are a few other teams that could be looking to make a big move this summer including the Utah Hockey Club and the Columbus Blue Jackets. If the Penguins do find a taker for Karlsson it will definitely help their cap situation, but will it do more harm than good?

Karlsson drives a lot of Pittsburgh’s offense from the back end, and at the moment they don’t really have anyone to replace him with. Kris Letang simply can’t do it anymore and defensive prospect Owen Pickering is not a top-pairing guy. This storyline will be one of many to watch this summer. The state of the Penguins was not good when Dubas took over in June 2023, but it has now been almost two years since he took the reins. Things need to start moving in a positive direction or his seat may begin to grow a little warm.