Could the Penguins end up trading Erik Karlsson this season?
With the 2026-27 season almost here, Nick Kypreos has released his latest trade board for Sportsnet.
A notable Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman made the cut, as Erik Karlsson was named a top trade candidate to watch this season by Kypreos.
"If the Penguins fall out of it, Karlsson becomes a very real trade candidate provided he lifts his NMC to play for a Stanley Cup-contending team," Kypreos wrote.
Karlsson has been the subject of trade rumors for a while now, so it is not too surprising to see him being named a trade candidate to watch again. This is especially so with the 36-year-old blueliner being a pending unrestricted free agent heading into the 2026-27 season.
If the Penguins end up struggling this season and decide to shop Karlsson, it is very likely that he would generate a good amount of interest. The 36-year-old defenseman showed last season that he can still make a big impact offensively from the point, as he recorded 15 goals and 66 points in 75 games.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see what the Penguins decide to do with Karlsson this season.
