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Proposed Erik Karlsson Trade Would Shake Up Penguins' Rivalry With Divisional Foe
Analyst Josh Wegman has suggested the Pittsburgh Penguins flip Erik Karlsson to the Carolina Hurricanes in a deal that would benefit both sides.
The Pittsburgh Penguins and GM Kyle Dubas have been trying for months now to find a trade partner for defenseman Erik Karlsson, but have been unsuccessful.
They have also been unable to find trade partners for forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, but a new trade proposal has been floated that sees them finally shed Karlsson.
Would Karlsson Be the Missing Piece for Carolina's Cup Push?
Per analyst Josh Wegman of The Score, the Penguins and Hurricanes would benefit from a trade for one another involving both Erik Karlsson and Shayne Gostisbehere.
Hurricanes receive: Erik Karlsson ($2 million retained)
Penguins receive: Shayne Gostisbehere, Felix Unger Sorum, 2026 first-round pick (top-10 protected), 2027 third-round pick
Penguins receive: Shayne Gostisbehere, Felix Unger Sorum, 2026 first-round pick (top-10 protected), 2027 third-round pick
Karlsson would be a major upgrade over Gostisbehere. The question the Hurricanes would have to answer is whether the upgrade is worth the acquisition cost. We say yes. Karlsson's ceiling is so much higher, and he would help a power play that ranked 25th in the NHL a year ago and has often gone cold come playoff time. Getting him at $8 million per season for the final two years of his deal would carry little risk.
Wegman also wrote that the Penguins could flip Gostisbehere for additional assets.
The Hurricanes were beaten for the 2nd time in the last 3 years by the Florida Panthers in the ECF, and Karlsson's potential acquisition could push them over the top.
Why Pittsburgh Could Benefit from Moving Their Norris Trophy Defenseman
Not only would the Hurricanes benefit from getting Karlsson, but the Penguins would also open up considerable salary cap space. They would likely have to retain some of his $11.5 million AAV (average annual value), but Karlsson doesn't fit into Pittsburgh's long-term vision, and this would give them a head start on a key piece of their rebuild.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 31 | 19 ANSWERS Proposed Erik Karlsson Trade Would Shake Up Penguins' Rivalry With Divisional Foe Would this be a fair trade for the Penguins? | ||
| Yes | 12 | 63.2 % |
| No | 7 | 36.8 % |
| List of polls | ||