Apr 6, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) warms up before a game against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn ImagesThere is a lot on the table for the Pittsburgh Penguins this summer, as it's widely been reported that they're going to be the only "true sellers" on the market.
And, according to a new report, there is an update on one of their stars on the trade block.
Per David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, veteran defenseman Erik Karlsson - who is actively being shopped by the Penguins - is willing to waive his full no-movement clause to be dealt to a contender. The Penguins are also, apparently, willing to retain some of the $10 million salary they owe him.
Karlsson, 34, was dealt to Pittsburgh in a massive three-team blockbuster during the summer of 2023. Expectations were high for the three-time Norris Trophy-winning blueliner, who - in addition to coming off of an historic 28-goal, 101-point campaign with the San Jose Sharks - had the pressure of helping return the Penguins to the playoffs after their first miss in 17 years.
Unfortunately, not a whole lot has gone right for the Penguins since, and Karlsson's tenure has been a mixed bag. He is owed $10 million by the Penguins for two more years, as San Jose retained $1.5 million as part of the initial trade.
If Pittsburgh is able to move Karlsson, it would also present a challenge in terms of roster-building, as they are currently already thin on their blue line and would require a contingency plan to replace Karlsson's role. Matt Grzelcyk is likely to hit the unrestricted free agent market, Kris Letang is due for his role to be a bit more diminished, and top defensive prospects Owen Pickering and Harrison Brunicke aren't quite ready for top-four roles yet.
Karlsson is one of three Penguins' players - the others being top-six scoring forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust - generating some buzz on the trade market ahead of the NHL Draft on Friday and Saturday as well as free agency on Jul. 1.
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Feature image credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images