Members of Penguins’ Core on Board With Erik Karlsson Deal

The leaders on the team are endorsing the Pittsburgh Penguins landing Erik Karlsson.

Even before officially being hired as the president of hockey operations, Dubas has targeted three-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson to bolster the Pittsburgh Penguins roster.

According to Rob Rossi of the Athletic, Dubas highlighted Karlsson as a target during his interview process with Penguins’ ownership.

Fenway Sports Group bought in to Dubas’ plan and just over three weeks after the draft, Pittsburgh has emerged as a likely new home for Karlsson.

Does adding another superstar ruffle the feathers of those already in the Penguins’ locker room?

Also according to Rossi, not one bit; 2/3 of the veteran core are fully on board with Karlsson coming to Pittsburgh, and one of them is willing to relinquish some of their role.

Rossi noted that captain Sidney Crosby and first line defenseman Kris Letang are behind trading for Karlsson.

Both Crosby and Letang are at the points of their careers where all they are focused on is winning one last Stanley Cup and Karlsson gives them a great chance to do that.

Karlsson is still looking for his first, and brings a ton of offensive fire power to the blue line and power play.

It’s the power play that Letang is likely willing to take a backseat if Karlsson arrives in Pittsburgh.

Rossi believes that while Letang would remain the Penguins’ No. 1 defenseman at 5-on-5, he will take a step back to let Karlsson quarterback the first power play unit.

Letang likely to set up on the point of the second unit.

It’s believed Karlsson’s preferred destination is Pittsbrugh, and the veterans in the locker room would welcome him with open arms.

All anyone can do now is wait for the poker game between the Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes, and San Jose Sharks to finally come to a conclusion.

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