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Erik Karlsson's Penguins Future Gets Key Update from NHL Insider

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Apr 15, 2025 6:52 AM ET

The Pittsburgh Penguins are preparing for a pivotal offseason, and The Athletic's Josh Yohe has provided a major update on the franchise's plans for the summer.

According to Yohe, a major move could involve veteran defenseman Erik Karlsson.

With the team missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season, Yohe reported that management may look to offload Karlsson’s contract if they can find a trade partner willing to absorb his deal.

Karlsson, 34, still has two years left on his eight-year, $92 million contract and carries a cap hit of $10 million while holding a full no-trade clause.

“I believe there is a real chance Karlsson is dealt this summer,” Yohe wrote. “Partially because of all the players who are signed to what many would consider ‘bad contracts,’ he’s still the most moveable.”

The Penguins may need to retain salary—as the San Jose Sharks originally did when they traded Karlsson to Pittsburgh—to make any deal happen.

Even then, Yohe suggests there’s confidence within the Penguins brass that teams will have an interest in acquiring the veteran blueliner.

“At times, Karlsson is horrific in the defensive zone, but that’s not new,” Yohe said. “His brilliance is in his offensive ability at even strength, and he still has that.

”Put him on the proper team, and he will still produce and make talented forwards better.”

According to PuckPedia, the Penguins are projected to have nearly $24 million in cap space this summer, even without shedding any contracts via trade.

Pittsburgh also has 18 draft picks in the first three rounds over the next three years and 30 total picks, including four first-rounders.

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

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