Penguins Excited About Addition of Erik Karlsson
Erik Karlsson's new teammates with the Pittsburgh Penguins are excited and ready to start a new season with him on board.
Ask anyone around the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, and it’s clear that there is an obvious excitement around the addition of Erik Karlsson.
When Kyle Dubas was hired by the Penguins, he made it a clear mission to add Karlsson to an already loaded room of super stars.
Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang are the leaders of the room, but were fully on board with bringing in another big name if it meant a renewed chance at winning.
“He’s the Norris winner last year,” Malkin said. “Best defenseman in the league. We sign good players, we try and win again. He’s amazing guy, amazing player.”
Beyond the core group of veterans, the rest of the locker room is amped that Karlsson will be on their team and they don’t have to continue trying to stop him as an opponent.
“I’d rather have him on my team than try and chase him around the ice,” Jeff Carter said. “Obviously, his game speaks for itself.”
Newcomer Noel Acciari felt the same way when it came to sharing a room with the reigning Norris winner.
“He’s an unbelievable player,” Acciari said. “It’s hard to run out at him at the point and figure out what he’s thinking. I don’t think anyone knows what he’s thinking. I’m glad I don’t have to chase him around.”
The only time the Penguins will have to ‘chase’ Karlsson around this season will be during practices and skates, but there is one player who might not even need to worry about that.
An early prediction based on lines at training camp have Karlsson lining up with fellow Sweden native Marcus Pettersson.
After an outstanding season in 2022-23, Pettersson is looking for more opportunities and should get them alongside Karlsson.
“He’s one of the most talented guys I’ve ever played with,” Pettersson said. “He’s such a good skater, he can skate out of anything. It’s going to be real exciting.”
Pettersson noted that Karlsson is more than just a solid player on the ice, but should be a boost for morale in the room.
“The energy that he brings to the rink all the time… he comes in with a smile,” Pettersson said. “You can hear his voice across the room.”
The Penguins have high expectations this year, and a lot of that is due to the addition of Karlsson.
An added hunger to the room should also bring the best out of everyone, but Karlsson is in Pittsburgh to not only push everyone to a new level, but also relieve some of the pressure on the core.
The Penguins are a better team with Karlsson, and he should be a great addition for a team looking to get back into the playoff push.
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