Pittsburgh Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL or NHLPA
'A Much More Realistic Situation': Original Six Team Linked to Erik Karlsson by Top Insider
Top insider John Shannon has revealed that despite the Erik Karlsson rumors to the Ottawa Senators, it's the Detroit Red Wings that are the more realistic suitors.
As the Detroit Red Wings continue to move ahead, there is a lot of pressure being put on the front office. The Red Wings haven't qualified for the postseason since the 2015-16 season, and this legendary franchise has definitely seen better days.
General manager Steve Yzerman has been in charge for a few years, but the team hasn't improved at all. The clock is ticking on Steve Yzerman to produce results with this organization, which could lead to some big moves.
Detroit has been linked to a few big names this offseason, and the front office is analyzing the trade market. One name that could be solid for the Red Wings to consider is veteran Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson.
Pittsburgh has been discussing Erik Karlsson with a few teams, and the Red Wings are being named as a prime landing spot.
John Shannon believes Detroit makes more sense than Ottawa for Karlsson
According to top NHL insider John Shannon, the Red Wings are a "realistic" situation for Karlsson, despite the rumors that have him going back to the Ottawa Senators.
"Whether it's Ottawa, which I would be shocked; Detroit, I think that's a much more realistic situation; there's some logical places."
- John Shannon
- John Shannon
Last season with the Penguins, Karlsson scored 11 goals and added 42 assists over 82 games. With the Penguins in full rebuild mode, Karlsson has become available in a trade, and a team like Detroit could make a push to finally get over the hump.
Karlsson would make the Red Wings' defense a lot stronger. This Red Wings team needs some sort of boost, and adding Karlsson to the mix is probably what could get things going.
Yzerman has been known for his aggressive moves in the past, and this could be the next big one. Detroit has to do something soon, and Karlsson could be the missing piece to get this team back to the playoffs for the first time in a long decade.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 26 | 71 ANSWERS 'A Much More Realistic Situation': Original Six Team Linked to Erik Karlsson by Top Insider Where will Erik Karlsson play next season? | ||
| Detroit | 18 | 25.4 % |
| Pittsburgh | 25 | 35.2 % |
| Ottawa | 14 | 19.7 % |
| Other | 14 | 19.7 % |
| List of polls | ||