Erik Karlsson Trade Development Emerges Amid Penguins' Slow Start

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Erik Karlsson Trade Development Emerges Amid Penguins' Slow Start

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Nov 13, 2026 11:20 AM ET

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson is putting together another elite season despite his team’s difficult start, and Pierre LeBrun has shed light on the veteran’s future.

Despite Pittsburgh’s 7-10-2 start, the 36-year-old has remained one of its top performers. Karlsson leads the Penguins with 19 points in 19 games after recording 66 points in 75 appearances last season.

On TSN, LeBrun revealed Karlsson’s camp is expected to meet with Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas in the new year to see where things are headed and whether a trade might work best for both parties.

“The plan, as I understand it, is for Karlsson and his camp to convene with Penguins GM Kyle Dubas in the new year to figure out a path forward if that does indeed include a trade,” LeBrun said.

INSIDER TRADING…

– Tanev load management; Leafs look to upgrade
– Wild happy to wait on Hughes
– Michkov speculation fuels outside interest
– Canes have interest in Erik Karlsson
– Ducks, Quenneville talking extension

WATCH: https://t.co/QRHTeoNGKT
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) November 12, 2026

Karlsson is in the final season of the eight-year, $92 million contract he originally signed with San Jose in 2019 and is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

LeBrun doubled down in a report for The Athletic that Karlsson’s camp, led by agent Craig Oster, will meet Dubas soon to establish the next steps.

“The Penguins and Karlsson’s camp, led by power-broker agent Craig Oster, will likely convene sometime in January and figure out next steps,” LeBrun wrote. “There’s been strong communication between the sides throughout, and Dubas has a lot of respect for Karlsson, so there’s no question this will be handled in an orderly way.”

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) at Lenovo Center.James Guillory-Imagn Images

Even if both sides agree a trade is the best path forward, Karlsson will control his next destination as his contract includes a full no-move clause.

Dubas, however, sounded positive about that potential scenario during the Penguins training camp, saying, “If there’s a time where both people want to jump, then you jump and get it done.”

LeBrun also identified the Carolina Hurricanes as one team to monitor in the Karlsson sweepstakes.

According to LeBrun, Carolina was the runner-up when Pittsburgh acquired Karlsson from San Jose in 2023, and the Hurricanes still have interest.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: