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Analysts Link Original Six Team to Erik Karlsson in Possible Blockbuster Trade
The Detroit Red Wings have been linked to acquiring Pittsburgh Penguins' Erik Karlsson in a possible offseason blockbuster trade, per analyst Tony Wolak.
The Detroit Red Wings have been linked to Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson in recent trade rumors.
Erik Karlsson's fit is interesting but comes with negatives. His $10 million cap hit lasts for two additional seasons, and his defensive game has also slowed with age.
Nevertheless, his contract could fit into the development curve of star prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka, perhaps serving to mentor him before he leaves in 2027.
Twelve teams currently have the cap space to absorb a Karlsson trade, and Pittsburgh has salary room, so they have flexibility.
With high demand and Karlsson having a full no-move clause, however, any agreement would require his consent and likely involve multiple moving parts.
The Penguins may want younger NHL ready players in return
The Penguins do not lack draft picks but might want younger, NHL-capable assets. Detroit possesses intriguing commodities to trade: Jonatan Berggren, Carter Mazur, Albert Johansson, William Wallinder, etc.
Erik Gustafsson might be attractive for Pittsburgh, too, as a power-play alternative with potential upside, possibly later near the deadline.
Unless Pittsburgh is retaining some substantial portion of Karlsson's salary, they probably won't ask for top assets.
If the compensation is reasonable and not in the guise of Detroit's top prospects or recent first-round draft picks, a trade makes sense. But giving too much is shortsighted.
Karlsson would lift the play in Detroit and act as a great mentor, but the Red Wings have to weigh immediate needs against long-term aspirations.
Trading away the future for short-term profit is not on the same page as where the team stands in its rebuild plans.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 11 | 145 ANSWERS Analysts Link Original Six Team to Erik Karlsson in Possible Blockbuster Trade Will Erik Karlsson end up with the Red Wings? | ||
| Yes | 71 | 49 % |
| No | 74 | 51 % |
| List of polls | ||