Who could the Pittsburgh Penguins target if they don't land Erik Karlsson? We’re closing in on a month since the Pittsburgh Penguins began their attempts to land three-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson. From the onset of the talks, the Penguins weren’t alone in the running, but as the days have passed they are one of two teams still standing. The Penguins are joined by the Carolina Hurricanes as the sole two squads still vying for Karlsson, but things may be leaning in Pittsburgh’s favor. According to insider Elliotte Friedman on NHL Network, he has been told things are ‘tipping’ towards the Penguins, but things change almost daily. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffVJzbJYvrI[/embed] A lot of the discussions are boiling down to how much salary are the San Jose Sharks willing to retain. Karlsson is set to make $11 million against the salary cap for the next four seasons, and that’s the kind of price tag that only a handful of teams would be able to afford. No matter where he goes, the Sharks will have no choice but to retain some of that money, but it’s been a battle to nail down exactly how much. The Hurricanes are at a disadvantage in the Karlsson sweepstakes considering how much they are still trying to iron out themselves. They have to figure out what to do with Brett Pesce, but they are also still reportedly in on Vladimir Tarasenko, who won’t be a cheap signing. The Penguins, meanwhile, have essentially put their offseason plans on hold until there is a resolve to the Karlsson deal. It’s no secreat the Penguins want him and he would like to play in Pittsburgh; things may change fairly often, but the Penguins remain as the frontrunner. Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins [http://insidethepenguins.com/]for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more! Crosby and Malkin Keep The Penguins Afloat in Center Rankings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/podcasts/sidney-crosby-evgeni-malkin-pittsburgh-penguins-afloat-center-rankings] Ryan Graves Excited To Join Penguins, Has Connection With Sidney Crosby [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/pens-talk/ryan-graves-excited-pittsburgh-penguins-connection-sidney-crosby] Tristan Jarry/Matt Murray: Who Was The Better Penguins Goalie? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/pens-talk/tristan-jarry-matt-murray-better-pittsburgh-penguins-goalie] Penguins Offseason on Pause for Erik Karlsson [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/podcasts/pittsburgh-penguins-offseason-pause-erik-karlsson] Penguins Sign Goalie Garret Sparks to AHL Contract [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/news/pittsburgh-penguins-sign-goalie-garret-sparks-ahl] * undefined * undefined
