Report: Penguins' Erik Karlsson Generating Interest From Division Rival

With the Pittsburgh Penguins struggling out of the gate, Erik Karlsson is already grabbing the attention of one of their division rivals. 

According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, the Carolina Hurricanes have interest in Karlsson. 

"My understanding is that his camp will convene with Kyle Dubas, the GM of the Penguins, in the new year, and figure out a pathway to where this is headed," LeBrun said. "But one team to keep an eye on, the Carolina Hurricanes. They were the runners up for Erik Karlsson back in the summer of 2023 when it was between Carolina and Pittsburgh to get him from San Jose."

"Carolina had a ton of interest in him," LeBrun added. "I'm told they still do... I expect the Hurricanes to be bidders if and when the Penguins open up the Erik Karlsson trade talks."

Hearing that the Hurricanes are interested in Karlsson makes sense. They could use another star defenseman to solidify their right side. Karlsson would also give them a high-impact offensive defenseman, which is something Carolina could use. 

Karlsson is also still a star at this point in his career. In 19 games this season for Pittsburgh, he has three goals and 19 points. This is after he had 15 goals and 66 points in 75 games for the Penguins in 2025-26. With this, he would have the potential to be a major pickup for a top contender like the Hurricanes. 

With Karlsson being a pending unrestricted free agent, questions about his future in Pittsburgh have been coming up already this season. However, he has a full no-movement clause, so he has complete control over if and where he would get traded.