Could the Pittsburgh Penguins Acquire Erik Karlsson?

Rumors from the past week say the Pittsburgh Penguins are one of the teams pursuing Erik Karlsson. How could they make it work under the salary cap?

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The Pittsburgh Penguins were reportedly among the clubs exploring an off-season trade for Erik Karlsson. As the hubbub in this summer's free-agent market dies down, there are reports they're still pursuing the San Jose Sharks defenseman.

Josh Yohe of The Athletic wrote that Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas remains interested in acquiring Karlsson. He indicated Dubas remains in discussions with the Sharks regarding the 33-year-old Norris Trophy winner.

Yohe's colleague Rob Rossi writes the Penguins have a way to clear cap space for Karlsson with winger Drew O'Connor filing for salary arbitration. That move allows them a 72-hour window to buy out another player once O'Connor's arbitration case is settled or awarded.

Appearing on the NHL Network on Thursday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman considers the Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes as the front-runners to land Karlsson. He also pointed out that interested clubs would prefer the Sharks retain a larger chunk of the blueliner's $11.5-million annual cap hit.

Sharks GM Mike Grier has stated that his club won't retain half of Karlsson's cap hit. However, Friedman believes the issue is trying to find the sweet spot between how much the Sharks are willing to retain and what the trade looks like.

Should the Penguins fail to land Karlsson, Pittsburgh Hockey Now's Dan Kingerski reports sources claim they're exploring other options to bring in a mobile defenseman with offensive skills.

Kingerski cited one source suggesting to keep an eye on Boston Bruins defenseman Grzelcyk as a trade target. However, Bruins GM Don Sweeney was dismissive of media reports speculating he would move the 29-year-old blueliner. Boston Hockey Now's Jimmy Murphy suggests that teams might be making inquiries about Grzelcyk and other Bruins, but that doesn't mean Sweeney is shopping them.