Future Hall-of-Famer Erik Karlsson Likely to Be Traded This Off-Season Per Frank Seravalli

Erik Karlsson's name has been talked about in trade rumours for months now, and insider Frank Seravalli believes he could be moved in a big deal this summer.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have to choose the direction they're taking the franchise in this summer under General Manager Kyle Dubas, and that could mean that some big changes are quickly on the way.

The obvious name that has been talked about in trade rumours is veteran Erik Karlsson, who had a solid campaign with the team in 2024/25, but with a $10 million salary cap hit and the team not having much need of him, it makes sense for them to explore the trade market.

Now, top NHL insider Frank Seravalli has opened up on the possibility that he gets moved this summer, noting that his performance at the Four Nations FaceOff put those potential teams looking to acquire him on notice.

League sources are expecting Karlsson's name to percolate as GM Kyle Dubas spools up a retool or rebuild to get Pittsburgh back on track. Karlsson has played two seasons in the Steel City and this one was better than the first. That $10 million cap hit will be difficult to navigate. But is there someone willing to give their blueline a shot in the arm with a capable quarterback? Karlsson turned back the clock at 4 Nations Face-Off.

Obviously, the big factor in all of this is the salary cap hit, but with the overall cap around the league set to go up in the coming years, if the Penguins attach a pick to Karlsson, there may be teams that could use him.