Analysts Concerned That Window for Kyle Dubas to Trade Key Piece is Rapidly Closing

It's a period of transition for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who had missed the postseason in each of the last 3 years and aren't expected to realistically contend for a postseason spot this year.

It's the longest drought of Sidney Crosby's career, as well as his longtime teammate Evgeni Malkin, who is entering the last year of his contract and could hang up the skates in 2026.

The Penguins are also said to be trying to move high-priced defenseman Erik Karlsson, and while he has been connected to several teams, a deal has yet to be made. But are the Penguins running out of time to make a trade?

Per Shaya Goldman of The Athletic,the window for Kyle Dubas to trade Karlsson is rapidly closing as he ages.

Karlsson's contract, which still has 2 years and an AAV (average annual value) of $11.5 million, makes him difficult to move.

Though he's only 2 years removed from winning the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman, his stats have declined since being traded to the Penguins in a 2023 trade that still receives heavy scrutiny.

In addition to the career of Crosby beginning to wind down, the prevailing thought among fans and analysts is that 2025-26 could be the last year in the NHL for Malkin.

If this is it for Malkin, it would truly represent the end of an era of Penguins hockey.