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Five Teams Emerges as Top Landing Spots for Erik Karlsson Amid Trade Rumors
A report revealed that five teams emerged as top landing spots for Erik Karlsson amid massive trade rumors involving the Pittsburgh Penguins' veteran defenseman.
The Pittsburgh Penguins' president of hockey operations, Kyle Dubas, has many options to help his team get back in the win column, but the biggest one appears to be Erik Karlsson.
Despite his uneven performances since joining the Pittsburgh Penguins last season and his big salary, Karlsson remains a great hockey player on which teams will be able to rely in the big moments.
If he wants to help his team ahead of the playoffs, Dubas must be considering dealing him at the trade deadline, according to Josh Yohe:
"One team source told me that, if Dubas could, he would trade Karlsson 'in a heartbeat.'
An Eastern Conference executive told me, 'Karlsson is out there, but Pittsburgh would have to retain (salary).'"
An Eastern Conference executive told me, 'Karlsson is out there, but Pittsburgh would have to retain (salary).'"
However, with the Penguins having only one salary retention slot available, it is believed Dubas should wait until this summer before trading him:
"An NHL team executive also told me he believes Karlsson is more likely to be dealt this summer when the salary cap has risen dramatically. At that point, the executive said, teams will be more likely to take on the majority of Karlsson's bulky contract.
One way or another, it seems unlikely that Karlsson will play out his contract in Pittsburgh. The Penguins view a very small list of players as being unmovable. Karlsson is most certainly not one of them."
One way or another, it seems unlikely that Karlsson will play out his contract in Pittsburgh. The Penguins view a very small list of players as being unmovable. Karlsson is most certainly not one of them."
The chances are slim, but Karlsson could still be traded by the deadline, as a few teams could show interest in the former Norris Trophy winner.
Bleacher Report confirmed that the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Vegas Golden Knights, Detroit Red Wings, and Florida Panthers could be in the mix to get him on the trade market:
Karlsson, 34, scored 40 points in 61 games this season, showing he can still contribute offensively to a team.
Such talent at the blue line doesn't come around often, and some teams are likely to jump on the opportunity to acquire him this season.
It'll be interesting to see what happens in Pittsburgh in the next week. Keep coming back to stay tuned with the latest developments.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 28 | 322 ANSWERS Five Teams Emerges as Top Landing Spots for Erik Karlsson Amid Trade Rumors Do you think Kyle Dubas will wait until the end of the season before trading Erik Karlsson? | ||
| Yes | 133 | 41.3 % |
| No | 189 | 58.7 % |
| List of polls | ||