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Penguins' Erik Karlsson Opens Up About Trade Deadline Speculation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Mar 3, 2025 6:00 AM ET

With the NHL trade deadline set for Friday and increasing speculation about Erik Karlsson's future with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the defenseman spoke publicly for the first time about the trade rumors surrounding him.

The blueliner's name has surfaced in recent trade discussions, along with those of fellow veteran Penguins stars Evgeni Malkin and team captain Sidney Crosby.

Karlsson, however, made it clear on Sunday that any potential move is entirely up to him, so he's not worried about it for now.

“Obviously, in my situation, I have a full say on whether anything happens or not,” Karlsson said. “I have not been asked [to waive my no-movement clause], and until I do get asked—whenever that is and if that is—I’ll take a stance.”

Karlsson’s contract, which carries a $10 million cap hit for two more seasons, includes a full no-movement clause for the full duration of it.

That means Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas cannot trade Karlsson without his approval, pending on the destination and his willingness to go there.

While Karlsson acknowledged the stress surrounding the trade deadline, he insisted he is not preoccupied with the situation.

“I’m not worrying about it because, again, I have nothing to worry about,” Karlsson said. “I’ll be the first one to know, I’m sure, and then I’ll deal with that situation if it occurs.

”Up until now, it hasn’t been on my mind.”

The Athletic’s Josh Yohe reported on Feb. 25 that Dubas would move Karlsson “in a heartbeat.”

"One team source told me that, if Dubas could, he would trade Karlsson 'in a heartbeat,'" Yohe wrote.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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