Red Wings Sign 900-Game NHL Veteran, Likely Closes Door on Erik Karlsson Trade

For much of the offseason, speculation had linked Detroit and Pittsburgh in discussions involving Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson.

Multiple reports suggested that the Red Wings could be a landing spot for Karlsson, with the Penguins looking to move on from the star defenseman and his hefty contract.

The idea of adding a high-end, offensive blueliner like Karlsson was highly debated by fans, but the likelihood of such a blockbuster deal now appears minimal.

That's because Detroit addressed its blue line needs through a different route, announcing the signing of veteran defenseman Travis Hamonic.

The 34-year-old blueliner joins the Red Wings on a one-year contract worth $1 million AAV, bringing experience, physicality, and defensive reliability at a fraction of Karlsson's cost.

Hamonic spent the last two seasons with the Ottawa Senators and appeared in 59 games in 2024-25. He scored only seven points but blocked 92 shots and had 73 hits while averaging just over 17 minutes of ice time per night.

His role in Ottawa was primarily defensive, and he was frequently used on the penalty kill.

Over his 900 NHL games with the Islanders, Flames, Canucks, and Senators, Hamonic totaled 242 career points and 774 penalty minutes.

Of course, Hamonic is no Erik Karlsson. The 2023 Norris winner remains one of the league's most dynamic offensive defensemen, and any comparison between the two would be unfair.

But while Karlsson's acquisition would have required significant assets and cap space, Hamonic cost Detroit just $1 million and no draft picks.

Fans have a right to feel underwhelmed given the rumors of a superstar arrival, but Hamonic's addition still fills a need. However, other deals between the two teams could still happen.

As for Karlsson, it'll be interesting to see if he ends up traded this summer, during the season, or remains in Pittsburgh.