Rumors and speculation continue into late July for San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson as teams try to work out a trade for him.

Another Monday, another collection of trade rumors involving San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson.

Making his weekly appearance on the NHL Network last Tuesday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that it remained a two-team race between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes for the 33-year-old Karlsson.

Friedman noted that the Hurricanes are being held up trying to free up sufficient cap space to acquire Karlsson. How much of the blueliner's $11.5-million average annual value the Sharks are willing to retain is another sticking point.

The following day, The Athletic's Rob Rossi reported the Sharks had granted permission for the Penguins and Hurricanes to speak with Karlsson. Several people within the Penguins organization were confident that their club is the three-time Norris Trophy winner's preferred destination.

According to Rossi, Penguins stars Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang approve of the club's pursuit of Karlsson. President of hockey operations Kyle Dubas and his staff apparently have several trade scenarios enabling them to acquire the expensive rearguard and remain salary-cap compliant.

Rossi also indicated that Jeff Petry likely wouldn't be part of the deal. He carries a modified no-trade clause and isn't open to being moved far from his family in Michigan. The Sharks are reportedly interested in blueliner Marcus Pettersson, but Dubas has been resistant to including him in the return.

On Friday, TSN's Chris Johnston cited Karlsson confirming to Swedish publication Expressen that he's spoken with several NHL clubs such as the Penguins, Hurricanes, Seattle Kraken and Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Toronto Sun's Lance Hornby believes Leafs fans shouldn't get their hopes up. He pointed out that the Penguins seem closer to landing Karlsson, suggesting that Leafs GM Brad Treliving may have been simply making inquiries.