Erik Karlsson Would Prefer To Play for the Penguins

Erik Karlsson is down to two options, and his preference falls in favor of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The trade chatter around the Pittsburgh Penguins and Erik Karlsson has exceeded two weeks, and while talk has seemed to reach a standstill, the deal is still very likely to go through.

Despite the likelihood of a trade, the Penguins aren’t alone in the race; the Carolina Hurricanes are still floating around as an option for Karlsson.

The reigning Norris Trophy winner has formally requested a trade from the San Jose Sharks and does carry some weight in the conversations with teams.

It may not be much weight, but Karlsson does have a preference to where he continues his NHL career.

According to Rob Rossi of the Athletic on the Fifth Avenue Faceoff Podcast, Karlsson leans towards the Penguins.

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Karlsson might not have the kind of control to just snap his fingers and become a Penguin, but he does carry some sway in negotiations.

With that in mind, however, the NHL’s regulations also won’t bend over backwards to send Karlsson to Pittsburgh.

The Penguins still need to find a way to be able to afford Karlsson’s talents, also known as his contract.

At this moment, the Penguins sit about $2 million over the salary cap limit, and Karlsson makes $11 million against the cap for four more seasons.

The Penguins would have to find a way to shrink their pay roll before any move with Karlsson can be completed, and even then a third team might still have to be involved.

The Sharks are willing to retain some salary but not a large percentage in the grand scheme of the deal.

Karlsson wants to come to Pittsburgh and many of the fans want him, too; now it’s up to the Penguins to beat out the Hurricanes and make it all work.

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