Adam Proteau discusses rumors linking Erik Karlsson to the Penguins, the Coyotes' latest additions and Patric Hornqvist and Michael Stone announcing their retirements.

This is Screen Shots, a regular THN.com feature in which we take a look at a few different hockey topics and break them down in a few short paragraphs. Let’s get straight to it.

Rumors about the future of San Jose Sharks star defenseman Erik Karlsson continue to build, but one particular team linked to Karlsson – the Pittsburgh Penguins – doesn’t make much sense. This is not to suggest the Pens wouldn’t want Karlsson on their blueline. Which team wouldn’t, but for his massive salary? He won this season’s Norris Trophy for good reason, and he’s got lots left in the tank. 

However, if the Sharks do send Karlsson packing, what motivation do they have to send him to Pittsburgh? There isn’t a plethora of assets Penguins GM Kyle Dubas possesses that will enthrall San Jose GM Mike Grier. Before you say, “Wait, Adam, Dubas could send a first-round draft pick the Sharks’ way,” consider that a team like the Carolina Hurricanes could also trade a first-rounder for Karlsson but have some great young talent that allows them to outbid a strained salary cap team like the Pens.

It’s all fine and dandy to say that Karlsson would thrive with Pittsburgh. He’d thrive with a lot of teams. But the Penguins are engaged in some wishful thinking to imagine they've got the assets (nevermind the cap space) to make this deal materialize.

The Arizona Coyotes’ off-season has been a curious one, with ‘Yotes GM Bill Armstrong signing and trading for a dog’s breakfast of veteran talent. Does anyone expect new Coyotes Jason Zucker, Troy Stecher and Nick Bjugstad – the latter two now in their second stint in Arizona – to finish the season as Coyotes? We don't. Most, if not all, of those players will likely be dealt by the trade deadline – and goalie Karel Vejmelka and forward Alex Kerfoot can be added to that group as well. 

There’s just not enough NHL-caliber talent in the lineup to project them to be a playoff team in 2023-24. We say this every year with this franchise, but once again, Arizona is a team in transition. There's no rhyme or reason to their latest additions – other than making it to the cap floor and lessening the load for some of the younger players – and there's no clear identity for this group of players. Hard time to be a Coyotes fan.

Finally, happy trails to longtime NHLers Patric Hornqvist and Michael Stone, both of who announced their retirements from the league this past week. 

The 36-year-old Hornqvist won a pair of Stanley Cups with the Penguins in his prime and played 901 career NHL regular-season games while generating 264 goals and 543 points in that span. The Swedish winger ended his NHL days with the Florida Panthers, and a concussion he suffered in 2022-23 likely played a role in his decision to end his NHL career.

Meanwhile, Stone was a plugger defenseman who never scored more than eight goals in a season in stints with Arizona and Calgary, but the 33-year-old still managed to appear in 552 regular-season games over parts of 12 seasons, amassing 104 assists and 145 points in his NHL career. 

Stone leaves his playing career to work in a player development role for the Flames, and his grit and determination will likely serve the organization well.

We lose players to retirement each and every summer, and whether you’re a Cup winner like Hornqvist or a worker bee like Stone, Father Time eventually comes around and reminds you time flies – and before you know it, you’re a retired athlete seeking a new challenge. Here’s wishing them both a happy, content life in their post-playing days.