Surprising Team Emerges as Potential Landing spot for Erik Karlsson as Trade Deadline Looms

The Erik Karlsson trade rumors have once again emerged following his impressive performance in the 4 Nations Face-Off.

The right-shot defenseman has played 60 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins this season, notching 40 points with a playing time average of over 23 minutes per game. He could be an asset worth trading for a Stanley Cup contender.

On 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman mentioned Karlsson as a potential trade target, with the Dallas Stars, and Florida Panthers interested.

However, there was one surprise team mentioned as well that is not a Cup favorite and that is his former team, the Ottawa Senators, as a potential destination.

Karlsson is 34 years old and has two remaining years on his contract with a $10 million AAV cap hit, so Penguins GM Kyle Dubas would presumably need to pick up salary in any deal.

The Panthers have LTIR flexibility, while the Stars still seek a top-four right-handed defenseman.

Ottawa, however, has long been rumored to be eyeing a Karlsson reunion and, with their solid play this season, might be seeking to make waves prior to March 7.

They have been dealing with a swath of injuries lately, so a Karlsson pickup could be helpful in helping the team get back on track.

Pittsburgh is in a tricky position, selling but yet seeking NHL-ready pieces to rebuild, not retool. Having an aging core of Kris Letang, Evgeni Malkin, and Sidney Crosby, Dubas must balance keeping their Cup hopes on the table while rebuilding the roster.

The Penguins have $10.8 million in cap space and two 2025 first-rounders. If Dubas does make another first-rounder addition, it will likely be a 2026 draft that is expected to feature a deeper talent pool.