Pittsburgh Penguins Facing 'Logjam' in Key Position: Trade Is Inevitable

When free agency began, the Dallas Stars were facing a cap crunch, more than $1.5 million above the limit. That was addressed Thursday with them trading defenseman Matt Dumba and a second-round 2028 draft pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Vladislav Kolyachonok.

The trade freed up Matt Dumba's $3.75 million cap charge, giving Dallas much-needed breathing room. For the Penguins, Dumba's addition simply brings more depth to their already congested blue line.

With the recent addition of Connor Clifton, top-end prospects Owen Pickering and Harrison Brunicke salivating for NHL minutes, and the signings of Parker Wotherspoon and Alexander Alexeyev, Pittsburgh now carries a plethora of defensemen on both sides.

The spotlight naturally lands on Erik Karlsson. The 35-year-old defenseman, acquired in a 2023 blockbuster trade from San Jose, has been available on the trade market following two subpar, playoff-free seasons.

Though he's still contributed 11 goals and 53 points in the last season, and 109 points in two seasons, he has yet to energize the Pittsburgh turnaround that the team envisioned.

The Penguins' defense right side, which now has four established NHLers on it, absorbs well over $23 million in cap. Something has got to give.

With eight defensemen already on the roster, without including Owen Pickering, Harrison Brunicke, or Jack St. Ivany, there's no doubt the Penguins are setting themselves up for a move.

All signs point to Erik Karlsson being the odd man out. The Dumba trade is a sign of his departure. If the Penguins have their way, Karlsson will be donning a new jersey on opening night.

The only question left? Whether or not Karlsson is going to look elsewhere, as he has the final say.