Chris Johnston Reveals When Erik Karlsson Could Be Traded by Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins future is likely moving towards getting younger, and after missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for three straight years, they come into this off-season looking to sell some of their key pieces.

Their minds aren't yet made up on the likes of Bryan Rust, but according to all reports, veteran defenseman Erik Karlsson is someone that they're motivated to move, and with the three-time Norris Trophy winner looking to chase a Stanley Cup, he's likely open to a move as well.

Now, TSN's Chris Johnston has opened up on the situation, revealing that the team and player are both motivated to get something done, and with Karlsson's deal getting closer to the end, he becomes a much easier asset to move.

Most have assumed a deal will get done this summer, but according to Johnston's report, there's a chance that it drags into the season, as the deal becomes more and more moveable closer to the end of his current contract.

Despite being 35-years of age, Karlsson was still very productive a season ago, and while his defensive game isn't anywhere near where it used to be, as an offensive force on the second pairing for a contender, Karlsson could still be very valuable moving forward.

Ultimately, it appears as though EK65 will not play out the remainder of his contract in Pittsburgh, and will likely be moved before that point, so whether it's this summer, the trade deadline or next summer, there's reason for both the team and player to be motivated to get things done.