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Hurricanes Eye Erik Karlsson in Mock Trade With Penguins
Photo credit: Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins have been trying to trade defenseman Erik Karlsson for weeks now, and they could find a potential trade partner in the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Pittsburgh Penguins haven't been able to find a trade partner for defenseman Erik Karlsson, likely because of his large $11.5 million AAV (average annual value).
Penguins GM Kyle Dubas has also been trying to trade forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, but like Karlsson, hasn't been able to find a suitable trading partner.
But Karlsson didn't sound like he was in a hurry to switch teams during Pittsburgh's locker room cleanout day in April.
Whether it works out or not, you never know. But, I like this team here. I think that the two years that I've been here, we've underachieved, and the group that we have in here is capable of a lot more.
Would Karlsson Solve Carolina's Power Play Struggles?
If the Penguins were to find a trade partner for Karlsson, the Carolina Hurricanes could make the most sense, thanks to their struggling PP. The Hurricanes may have advanced to the ECF before losing to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, but their PP struggled all year long.
It came in at 25th overall of the 32 NHL teams, and Karlsson has been employed chiefly as a PP specialist in the last several years, as well as throughout his career.
Karlsson's skills may have been taken down a notch, but he could provide an immediate boost to Carolina's special teams.
Why the Penguins Could Cash In on a First-Round Pick
To acquire Karlsson, the Hurricanes would likely be asked by Dubas to not only surrender a prospect but a top draft selection as well.
It would give the Penguins another chance to select a player in the opening round of the NHL Entry Draft and give Dubas more ammunition to put toward the team's rebuilding process.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 27 | 21 ANSWERS Hurricanes Eye Erik Karlsson in Mock Trade With Penguins Would the Hurricanes make the most sense for Erik Karlsson? | ||
| Yes | 16 | 76.2 % |
| No | 5 | 23.8 % |
| List of polls | ||