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Erik Karlsson Linked to Eastern Powerhouse Seeking Right-Shot Defenseman
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson is being linked to the Carolina Hurricanes, who reportedly want another right-handed after losing Brent Burns in free agency to the Avalanche.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of the last 3 years, the longest drought of the NHL careers of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang.
The Penguins have already undergone major changes in the summer, as GM Kyle Dubas fired coach Mike Sullivan after nearly 10 years and replaced him with former New York Rangers assistant Dan Muse.
Forwards like Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell are being heavily involved in trade rumors, while defenseman Erik Karlsson is also being mentioned as a potential trade candidate.
Per a new report from Jeremy Tingly of NHL Rumors, the Carolina Hurricanes could be where Karlsson goes after they lost RHD Brent Burns in free agency to the Colorado Avalanche.
The team lost Brent Burns to free agency this summer, and now have a big hole to fill on the right side of their blueline. It's going to come down to money as Karlsson's on the books for two more seasons at $10 million AAV, and if the Penguins will retain at least 20% of his remaining salary, the Hurricanes would apparently jump on the opportunity.
Carolina has over $10 million in cap space to work with this summer, even after giving Nik Ehlers a boat load of money. They have a nice balance up front, two solid goaltenders, and their defence core is their only question mark at this point. Karlsson would be a great get for them and a bit of a bounce-back project, but one worth taking a risk on.
Carolina has over $10 million in cap space to work with this summer, even after giving Nik Ehlers a boat load of money. They have a nice balance up front, two solid goaltenders, and their defence core is their only question mark at this point. Karlsson would be a great get for them and a bit of a bounce-back project, but one worth taking a risk on.
NHL analyst Frank Seravalli also recently said that Karlsson could be the right move for the Hurricanes:
Karlsson had 53 points (11G, 42A) this year in Pittsburgh, his 2nd year with the team after being acquired from the San Jose Sharks.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 19 | 75 ANSWERS Erik Karlsson Linked to Eastern Powerhouse Seeking Right-Shot Defenseman Would the Hurricanes be the right fit for Erik Karlsson? | ||
| Yes | 51 | 68 % |
| No | 24 | 32 % |
| List of polls | ||