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Norris Trophy Winner Erik Karlsson Traded To Penguins

Originally posted on Full Press Hockey
By William Grigsby | Last updated 8/6/23

The 2023 Norris Trophy winner, Erik Karlsson, was traded from the San Jose Sharks to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday in a long-anticipated move.

It had been speculated that Karlsson would be traded this offseason, even with his massive contract—11.5 million for the next four years. So, it wasn’t easy to move the talented defenseman, and the need for a third team materialized quickly. That team was the Montreal Canadiens. However, he made it clear that at age 33, he wanted to win a Cup. He has won the Norris three times, but every NHL player wants to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup.

Erik Karlsson plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) August 6, 2023

Erik Karlsson Traded

Karlsson would increase any contending team’s chances of winning a Cup, including the Penguins. He absolutely proved that this last season in San Jose. He tallied 25 goals and 76 assists in 82 games to blow away any competition. Karlsson’s request to be moved was graciously granted by new GM Mike Grier. Karlsson can do it all. He had 11 goals and 67 assists on the power play and avoided any injuries which had previously nagged him. He averaged 24:29 minutes of ice time with the Sharks.

Teams interested in him included the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, and Seattle Kraken.

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What This Means Going Forward

Anytime a team can make an acquisition like Erik Karlsson to their present roster, they have a good shot at winning it all. Karlsson is just that type of player. If he can stay healthy and continue his excellent play as he did in San Jose, the Penguins will benefit significantly as it looks to win one more Stanley Cup with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and company.

This article first appeared on Full Press Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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