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Erik Karlsson Addresses Media Amid Rampant Trade Rumours
Perhaps no player in the NHL is the subject of more rampant trade rumours than Erik Karlsson, something he addressed head-on during the 2nd day of Penguins camp.
There might not be another more talked about NHL player when it comes to trade rumours than Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson.
Karlsson has been rumoured to be on the move now from the Penguins by way of a trade from general manager Kyle Dubas, but he's been unable to find a trade partner for the Swedish defenseman.
Karlsson has now been a member of the Penguins for 2 full years after being acquired from the San Jose Sharks, and his stats have dropped considerably from what was his Norris Trophy winning season of 2022-23.
Today was the 2nd day of Penguins camp, and the trade rumours were something that Karlsson addressed head on when he was asked if he was surprised to still be on the team.
No, I'm not. It was a quiet summer for me. Didn't really hear much other than what I read from you guys and all the other people around the League, which is typical for the offseason
I know I'm in the position I'm in, but on my end it was a very quiet and relaxing summer. I was focused on the things I wanted to accomplish this summer, the mindset I wanted to have this season. That was always going to be here.
-Erik Karlsson
I know I'm in the position I'm in, but on my end it was a very quiet and relaxing summer. I was focused on the things I wanted to accomplish this summer, the mindset I wanted to have this season. That was always going to be here.
-Erik Karlsson
Last year, Karlsson had 53 points (11G, 42A) in all 82 games. He and the Penguins didn't make the playoffs, which is now the 3rd straight year for the team.
The Penguins were also unable to trade Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell
In addition to Karlsson, the Penguins were also rumoured to be trying to trade one or both of forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell.
But like Karlsson, both Rust and Rakell are still with the team multiple days into camp. By all indications, the Penguins will be starting the new season with all of those players in the lineup.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 19 | 53 ANSWERS Erik Karlsson Addresses Media Amid Rampant Trade Rumours Will Erik Karlsson be traded by the Penguins? | ||
| Yes | 38 | 71.7 % |
| No | 15 | 28.3 % |
| List of polls | ||