Erik Karlsson Trade Rumors: Analyst Ties Star Defenseman to One Canadian Team

For much of the off-season thus far, speculation has been rife that the Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to move on from several key veterans, although a recent report has revealed that options are dwindling for veteran blue liner Erik Karlsson.

However, given that he can still be very productive on a winning team, there are some options out there, especially with his contract coming towards its end following the 2026/27 campaign.

One team that has always been intriguing by Karlsson is the Ottawa Senators, and in their latest report, Daily Faceoff have listed them as a potential destination for a reunion with Karlsson, who played with the team between 2011 and 2017, the most successful period in the modern history of the team.

However, in the past few years with Pittsburgh, Karlsson has struggled to get back to the level that made him a three-time Norris Trophy winner, posting 56 and 53 points in those two seasons with a lack of elite level play on the defensive side of the puck.

The Senators though are now pushing for a Stanley Cup run after breaking their lengthy post-season drought in 2025, and while Karlsson may not be the ideal target for them, if nothing else presents itself, he could be a very solid and productive piece of their blue line.

Ultimately, it appears to be a matter of when, not if the Penguins move Karlsson, and given that there's been very little reported interest thus far, if the Sens are indeed lurking, expect them to make a push before the 2025/26 season begins.