The Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly one of the teams kicking tires on defenseman Erik Karlsson.
As free agency and the new league year begin, the Penguins are already involved in some big name deals. While the team is not set to be big time spenders when the market open, they may be pushing hard to improve the team via trade and they may be targeting a recent Norris Trophy winning defenseman.
According to TSN insider Pierre LeBrun, the Penguins are rumored to be one of the teams pursuing defenseman Erik Karlsson. The two-time Norris winner had a career renaissance in San Jose last season, catapulting him back into elite status and putting him on the trade block. LeBrun tweeted and stated on TSN that the Penguins, along with the Seattle Kraken and the Carolina Hurricanes are three of the teams apparently interested in trading for Karlsson's services.
Karlsson is one of the smoothest skating offensive defenseman currently and in league history. This past season was his most productive season of his 14-year career, putting up a monstrous 25 goals and 76 assists for 101 points.
There was nothing specific about what return the San Jose Sharks wanted in return for Karlsson, but it would most likely cost at least a future first round pick, a top prospect, and possibly another asset.
To make matters more complicated, Karlsson's contract lasts for another four seasons and comes with a heavy $11.5 million cap hit. The Penguins would have to send serious money out in order to make the money work.
As free agency progresses, keep an eye on the Kyle Dubas and their pursuit of defenseman Karlsson.
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