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NHL insider Nick Kypreos updates on Sidney Crosby and Erik Karlsson's future with the Penguins
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
NHL insider Nick Kypreos believes that Sidney Crosby will not be traded by the Penguins, and Erik Karlsson's hefty contract will give Kyle Dubas problems.
NHL insider Nick Kypreos notes that the league's incredibly tight standings halfway through the season have put several teams in a challenging spot as the trade deadline approaches.
Parity and mediocrity have combined to create a situation the NHL hasn't seen since the salary cap was introduced in 2005.
What's different this season between the buyers and sellers
Normally, by midseason, it's clear which teams will be sellers. This year, though, general managers are struggling to decide whether to buy or sell before the March 6 deadline.
Penguins GM Kyle Dubas faces a particularly tricky situation. Pittsburgh sits in a wild-card position under new ownership, but some moves are essentially off the table.
According to Kypreos, Sidney Crosby will not be traded, and Erik Karlsson's $10 million average annual value contract limits flexibility.
Re Penguins: "First thing's first: Sidney Crosby is not going anywhere, and Erik Karlsson's contract ($10 million AAV) in all probability will handcuff the GM."
- Nick Kypreos
- Nick Kypreos
Evgeni Malkin, who has a no-movement clause in the final season of his contract, controls his own fate.
Why Evgeni Malkin could be lured to Minnesota
There's speculation that Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin might try to lure Malkin, potentially using Russian star Kirill Kaprizov as an incentive for a playoff push. If Malkin agrees, a trade could happen before the deadline.
Beyond that, Dubas would have limited options. Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, who has partial trade protection, are key pieces with two years remaining on their contracts.
Moving either would weaken Crosby's core, and dismantling the nucleus seems unlikely, especially under new ownership. Despite talk of a rebuild, the Penguins have repeatedly found ways to stay competitive, making bold roster changes difficult.
For Pittsburgh, the balance between staying in the playoff race and preparing for the future will define Dubas's trade deadline decisions.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 12 | 50 ANSWERS NHL insider Nick Kypreos updates on Sidney Crosby and Erik Karlsson's future with the Penguins Do you believe that Erik Karlsson will ever be traded despite his hefty contract? | ||
| Yes | 19 | 38 % |
| No | 31 | 62 % |
| List of polls | ||