Analysts Reveal the Real Reason Erik Karlsson Still Hasn't Been Traded
Erik Karlsson was expecting to be traded this off-season by the Penguins, but now an analyst has revealed the one reason that's stopping teams making a deal.
This off-season was shaping up to be a busy one for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but thus far, Kyle Dubas has failed to pull the trigger on a single big trade like many fans were expecting.
One player that most expected to be 100% gone was Erik Karlsson, but as of right now, the three-time Norris Trophy winner remains a Penguin, and it's for one simple, straightforward reason.
Karlsson Not Living Up to His Massive $10 Million Cap Hit is Making a High-Value Trade Difficult
According to The Hockey News, it's all about the money, as Karlsson has an $11.5 million salary ($1.5 retained by San Jose), and even at $10 million, he's failed to live up to expectations.
After winning his third Norris Trophy, many expected him to take a step back, but in Pittsburgh, he's failed to produce points, tallying just 109 across the last two seasons, all while his game at the other end continues to deteriorate.
Sure, at a cheaper value, 109 points as a blue liner in two seasons is fantastic, but paying him $10 million doesn't justify that production, and it's the biggest reason why no teams have been willing to take the risk on him thus far.
The Penguins may be willing to retain some money on that to move Karlsson, but as of right now, there are simply no takers, and if he doesn't start 2025/26 red-hot, there's a chance that the Penguins simply won't be able to move him.
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