The Pittsburgh Penguins and their players will see plenty of positives when playing with Erik Karlsson. The Pittsburgh Penguins pulled off arguably one of the most important trades in the franchise’s history by adding Erik Karlsson to their blue line. Karlsson brings an obvious level of offensive production, but do the Penguins become Stanley Cup contenders through his addition alone? The full answer remains to be seen, but Karlsson has a belief that the team can contend for the league’s biggest prize. “It’s always been the ultimate drive for myself,” Karlsson said. “That’s something that they know how to do here. I’m really excited to step into that group.” Karlsson hasn’t had many outstanding chances to compete for the Cup over his 14-year career. In six total trips to the postseason between the Ottawa Senators and San Jose Sharks, Karlsson has only won five playoff series’. Twice he’s reached the conference finals, but never able to collect the four wins necessary to play for the Cup. Despite not having a great record in the postseason, Karlsson has solid numbers as a playoff producer. In 67 total games played, Karlsson has recorded 53 total points usually as a standout puck mover with 45 total assists. Karlsson knows he’s entering a room with all kinds of postseason success, but he wants to contribute his own way and help the Penguins become an even more successful franchise. “Hopefully bring some new things in,” Karlsson said. “Help them become even better. That’s what you have to do in a group.” People will be torn over whether or not Karlsson makes the Penguins true Cup contenders, but given the rest of the moves made by Kyle Dubas this offseason, they have a much better chance than they’ve had in recent years. Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins [http://insidethepenguins.com/]for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more. Erik Karlsson Is Already Familiar With Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/news/erik-karlsson-already-familiar-pittsburgh-penguins] Penguins' Erik Karlsson Has Arrived in Pittsburgh [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/news/pittsburgh-penguins-erik-karlsson-arrived] Penguins Hire Marty Lauzon as Director of High Performance [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/news/pittsburgh-penguins-hire-marty-lauzon-director-high-performance] No More Big Additions Coming to Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/news/no-more-big-additions-pittsburgh-penguins] Erik Karlsson Makes Penguins Stanley Cup Contenders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/pens-talk/erik-karlsson-pittsburgh-penguins-stanley-cup-contenders] * undefined * undefined
