Latest news with #ErikKarlsson
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL trade rumor: Carolina Hurricanes eye Erik Karlsson to fuel Stanley Cup push in NHL 2025-26 season
NHL- Erik Karlsson (Credit: Getty Images) The Carolina Hurricanes are not content with just making deep playoff runs; they aspire to win the Stanley Cup. After another Eastern Conference Finals exit, the front office is reportedly exploring a major addition to finally push them over the edge. NHL insider Frank Seravalli has linked Carolina to Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson, suggesting the Hurricanes may have 'spent time investigating' a deal. Top 5 Erik Karlsson Career Plays | NHL Countdown Erik Karlsson's offensive firepower remains elite despite his age At 35, Erik Karlsson may not be the all-situations defenseman he once was, but his offensive skill remains elite. The three-time Norris Trophy winner (2012, 2015, 2023) has tallied 22 goals and 109 points over the past two seasons. Even on a middling Pittsburgh Penguins team, he's shown he can still move the puck and drive offense at a high level. Erik Karlsson: Team Photo Day | Pittsburgh Penguins Adding Karlsson could reshape the defensive structure in Carolina Adding Karlsson wouldn't come without complications. His current cap hit stands at $11.5 million through 2028, a figure too large for Carolina to absorb outright. Seravalli noted that teams would only bite if the number dropped to the $7 million–$7.5 million range, meaning the Penguins would need to retain salary or involve a third party. Salary cap math is the only real obstacle for a potential blockbuster The biggest hurdle in a Karlsson trade is financial. The Hurricanes are tight on cap space and don't have any obvious expiring contracts on the blue line. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologists Confirm: 60-Year-Old Sheds Fat With 4 Ingredients The Healthy Way Learn More Undo While the front office has room to maneuver, it would take creative accounting to land a player with Karlsson's salary, no matter how badly they want a Cup. Still, desperation can drive bold moves. The Florida Panthers have set the standard after back-to-back Stanley Cup titles and retaining key free agents this summer. If Carolina believes Karlsson is the difference-maker, they need to match that level, expect an aggressive push, especially if the Penguins are willing to meet halfway on salary. Karlsson may not be a perfect fit, but in the pursuit of a championship, perfection can be a negotiable goal. Also Read: Edmonton Oilers linked to $27m veteran Jonathan Marchessault, pressure mounts as Oilers eye scoring boost for NHL 2025-26 season Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Erik Karlsson trade rumors: A return to Ottawa Senators on the cards for the $92 million defenseman?
Erik Karlsson trade rumors: A return to Ottawa Senators on the cards for the $92 million defenseman? (Image Via Twitter) As the Pittsburgh Penguins found themselves missing the playoffs yet again, all eyes turned to the aging defenseman Erik Karlsson and where his future might lie. Karlsson still has two years left on a $92 million contract and has earned himself the urgency to chase a Stanley Cup, so he may reach the end of his tenure in Pittsburgh. Reports indicate he is growing restless; a storyline could emerge around a potential return to Ottawa, the team where his NHL legacy began, which could alter the outlook for both franchises. Erik Karlsson's time with the Pittsburgh Penguins has failed to deliver — MrPerfectSonic (@MrPerfectSonic) Arriving in the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2023 from the San Jose Sharks, the hopes were sky-high for Erik Karlsson. The Penguins wanted his offensive skills to breathe new life into an aging core of players centered on Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Despite his contribution to the cause of the game, three straight seasons of playing 82 games and scoring well over 70 points, the team has seen its fortunes tumble for two years in a row, missing out on qualification for the postseason. Financially, the investment didn't pan out either. Sharks are retaining $1.5 million a year, while the Pittsburgh Penguins are carrying a $10-million cap hit that feels heavy right now due to not making any postseason appearances. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Karlsson's -3 rating and unmitigated defensive lapses have sown many seeds of doubt about his long-term fit. The Ottawa Senators appear as a potential landing zone Too Many Games | The Chris Johnston Show A reunion with the Ottawa Senators is being talked about, with NHL insider Chris Johnston saying it would be "a cool story" if Karlsson returns. The Senators took Karlsson 15th overall back in 2008 and are trending the right way after ending an eight-year playoff drought. Familiarity with the city and the organization would surely ease his transition there, while his offensive talent would do wonders for Ottawa's five-on-five metrics, which were near the bottom last season. The Senators, needing a right-shot defenseman and with roughly $4 million in cap space but would need to make a few financial arrangements - some salary-flipping, or possibly negotiating for retained salary from Pittsburgh - to get this reunion done. Canadian teams in the mix for Erik Karlsson The Senators aren't the only Canadian team tracking Karlsson. The Toronto Maple Leafs are said to be investigating options for strengthening their blueline and, while at it, compensating for lost offensive jobs. On the other hand, the Oilers may look at Karlsson as someone who can add depth to the back end, but would have some difficulty convincing Darnell Nurse to waive his no-movement clause. Karlsson appeared to be merely mildly underperforming, but he has had durability concerns in recent years, and his defensive limitations which is the one suitor has to pay attention to. Also Read: 2025‑26 NHL schedule revealed: Mitch Marner, Nikolaj Ehlers and Stanley Cup rematches highlight season Erik Karlsson's future in Pittsburgh feels more and more distant, and whether pursued by an Ottawa return or perhaps an alternative ticket to another Canadian market, it feels more and more plausible. For his window to win, there is very little time left, and this moving decision might just be the one that helps seal the fate of one of the most entertaining and electrifying defensemen of this era. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Maple Leafs Predicted to Land 7-Time All-Star
Maple Leafs Predicted to Land 7-Time All-Star originally appeared on Athlon Sports. As the Toronto Maple Leafs continue their offseason, one of the main goals is to improve the defensive unit. Toronto wants to truly contend for a Stanley Cup next season, and one of the ways to make that happen is to upgrade the blueline. Advertisement Defense let the Maple Leafs down in the postseason this year, with the players not being able to help generate enough offense. But the front office has been active in trying to search for some upgrades across the NHL. One name that could be interesting for the Maple Leafs is veteran Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Pittsburgh has been rumored to be dangling Karlsson in different trade talks, and now he is being linked to Toronto. NHL writer James Murphy of linked the two sides together. 'There's more than just hearsay when it comes to the Leafs and Erik Karlsson right now,' a league source told Murphy. Advertisement 'There's probably going to be salary retained, but the thought that there's some kind of bad blood between Dubas and the Leafs still that would prevent something like this is crazy. This is a business, and if there's enough interest from both teams and they figure out the cap hit and money, then that's all that matters," Murphy wrote. Karlsson could get another chance to go after a title with the Maple Leafs, while Pittsburgh could net some future assets. The Maple Leafs do make sense as a landing spot for Karlsson, especially given where he is in his career. The veteran likely doesn't have many years left to play, so making the most of his time with a contending team makes sense. Last season with the Penguins, Karlsson put up 11 goals and 42 assists. Karlsson could help improve the Maple Leafs' defense on both sides of the ice. This could be a solid move for Toronto to consider, and there seems to be some smoke around it. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Penguins and Erik Karlsson Reportedly Open to Trade Under Clear Conditions
Penguins and Erik Karlsson Reportedly Open to Trade Under Clear Conditions originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After three consecutive years failing to make the playoffs, the Pittsburgh Penguins face a critical offseason as they'll try to break the skid next season. Advertisement One of the options Pittsburgh has to retool its roster is to find a destination for veteran defenseman Erik Karlsson, who could help the Penguins refresh their aging core. According to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, the 35-year-old defenseman is open to waiving his full no-move clause, but only to join a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. 'My understanding is that Karlsson would be open to waiving to join a contender,' LeBrun wrote. 'That might sound obvious given where the Penguins are — staring down a long rebuild — but he has the hammer via his full no-move, so it's no small consideration.' Karlsson is entering the seventh season of his eight-year, $92 million contract. He carries a $10 million cap hit, and his deal includes a $5 million signing bonus due July 1, which could complicate trade talks. Advertisement LeBrun explained that many teams would prefer to deal for Karlsson after Pittsburgh pays the bonus on the given date, but that would come at a cost for the acquiring team in terms of surrendering draft-pick compensation or forfeiting salary retention. 'The Penguins will be less inclined to trade him after making that payment unless teams pay an extra asset to acknowledge it,' LeBrun said. Reducing Karlsson's cap hit could spark more interest, but for that to happen, the deal might have to be completed before the start of free agency. 'The sweet spot for making Karlsson as attractive as possible would be to turn him into a $7.5 million player,' LeBrun wrote. Advertisement Defenseman Erik Karlsson plays the puck for Sweden during a 4 Nations Face-Off Kirouac-Imagn Images Pittsburgh, however, isn't expected to retain salary unless fully compensated with assets in return and with the acquiring team paying the full $5 million bonus. Karlsson has posted 56 and 53 points in his two seasons with Pittsburgh, appearing in all 164 regular-season games during that span. In February, he competed for Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Related: Penguins 'Actively Exploring' Market on $92 Million Veteran Related: Pierre LeBrun Names Veteran Penguins Forward Atop Trade Candidate List This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Erik Karlsson-Maple Leafs Link ‘More Than Just Hearsay,' Claims NHL Insider
Erik Karlsson-Maple Leafs Link 'More Than Just Hearsay,' Claims NHL Insider originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Pittsburgh Penguins are actively exploring trade possibilities for star defenseman Erik Karlsson, and his next destination could reignite a longtime rivalry in the Atlantic Division. Advertisement According to RG's James Murphy, the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in the former Ottawa Senators blueliner and have emerged as a potential landing spot for the 35-year-old. 'There's more than just hearsay when it comes to the Leafs and Erik Karlsson right now,' Murphy wrote, quoting an NHL source. 'There's probably going to be salary retained, but the thought that there's some kind of bad blood between Dubas and the Leafs still that would prevent something like this is crazy.' Karlsson spent nine seasons with the Senators, won two Norris Trophies in that span, and remains popular among fans in Canada's capital. Advertisement The Leafs are coming off losing a star of their own in forward Mitch Marner, who departed for the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade just before the start of free agency. While not a forward, Karlsson's offensive prowess from the blue line could provide some offensive help to the Leafs next season. Murphy touches on another report linking the Maple Leafs to other potential trade targets, such as New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, because of his power-play skillset. Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) skates during Frid-Imagn Images The Maple Leafs have around $5.3 million in cap space, which means landing Karlsson's current $10 million cap hit—after the San Jose Sharks retained roughly 13% in his last move—would require Pittsburgh to retain additional salary. Advertisement The source told RG that if both sides can agree on financial terms, 'this is a business' and past history between Kyle Dubas and Toronto management 'doesn't matter.' Karlsson is under contract for two more seasons as part of the eight-year, $92 million contract that he signed with the Sharks in 2019. He appeared in all 82 games last season scoring 54 points, including 11 goals for the Penguins. Related: Red Wings-Penguins Talks on $92 Million Player 'Intensifying,' Per Report Related: Penguins and Erik Karlsson Reportedly Open to Trade Under Clear Conditions This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
