The Pittsburgh Penguins are entering an big weekend and could be looking to finalize an Erik Karlsson deal.

With the Drew O’Connor deal signed and a second buyout window opening this weekend, the Pittsburgh Penguins could finally close in on Erik Karlsson.

The Penguins have been in on Karlsson since at least the 2023 Draft in late June, and as we hit the first weekend in August, some clarity might be on the horizon.

According to Elliotte Friedman on NHL Network, he is being told to keep an eye on things over the next few days.

Friedman says there is a little ‘noise on the radar.’

President of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas has stated before that he does not like to utilize buyouts, but this second window of opportunity might be too good to pass up.

Buying out a certain lacking forward might also open up just enough space to finally pull off a deal for Karlsson.

Mikael Granlund currently makes $5 million against the salary cap; if he was to be bought out, the Penguins would free up over $4 million in space for the upcoming season.

Other cap gymnastics would have to go into acquiring the $11.5 million defenseman, but Dubas hasn’t taken his eyes off of the target.

“I am very curious to see by the time that buyout window closes,” Freidman said. “We have some clarity on Erik Karlsson.”

While August is usually the slowest month of the NHL offseason, Dubas and the Penguins might make the next 72 hours fairly important.

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