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 Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/a7ebfd57-8883-4e68-8359-390af39fb36d.jpeg] 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 Images There is a lot on the table for the Pittsburgh Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/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 [https://www.thefourthperiod.com/], 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 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/pittsburgh-penguins-acquire-defenseman-erik-karlsson] 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 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/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. Should The Penguins Deal Erik Karlsson? It May Not Be As Simple As It Seems. [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/acdf25fb-a72b-4892-9e3c-8889e00c3bdc.webp] Should The Penguins Deal Erik Karlsson? It May Not Be As Simple As It Seems. With the 2025 NHL Draft just two weeks away and free agency to follow directly after, the trade market is beginning to heat up. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/should-the-penguins-deal-erik-karlsson-it-may-not-be-as-simple-as-it-seems] If Pittsburgh is able to move Karlsson, it would also present a challenge in terms of roster-building [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/nhl-rumors-3-penguins-off-season-trade-candidates], 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 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/i-would-love-to-come-back-after-career-year-grzelcyk-hopes-to-stay-in-pittsburgh], 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 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/penguins-rumors-4-teams-linked-to-rickard-rakell] and Bryan Rust [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/bryan-rust-is-in-high-demand-but-is-trading-him-the-right-call] - generating some buzz on the trade market ahead of the NHL Draft on Friday and Saturday as well as free agency on Jul. 1. NHL Rumors: 3 Penguins Off-Season Trade Candidates [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/f915c15a-d102-4763-93e7-fd8f0b8aeea1.webp] NHL Rumors: 3 Penguins Off-Season Trade Candidates The off-season is now officially here, and the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins </a>will certainly be a team to watch closely during it. With the Penguins retooling their roster, there is a good chance that they will be active this summer. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/nhl-rumors-3-penguins-off-season-trade-candidates] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwquDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more! Feature image credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
