Erik Karlsson: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

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The Toronto Maple Leafs are always going to be involved in so many trade rumours around the NHL just because of who they are, but the temperature on one certain move is starting to get hotter based on just one little Instagram post.

NHL News / Editor In Leaf / August 28

Morgan Rielly should still be traded, but only for Erik Karlsson

Erik Karlsson being dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs isn't an idea that only recently floated into the hockey world’s ether, but it is an idea that Elliotte Friedman poured some gasoline on during the 32 Thoughts podcast three days ago.

NHL News / NHL Rumors / August 26

NHL Rumors: Erik Karlsson, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Eeli Tolvanen

Sportsnet: Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, said that he had someone predict that Erik Karlsson, could become a Toronto Maple Leaf, depending on how their seasons go.

San Jose Sharks News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The ''EA NHL,'' covers since 2000' quiz

How many of the players to grace the cover of each EA NHL video game going back to 'NHL 2000?"

The 'First-overall NHL Draft picks' quiz

The 'Conn Smythe Trophy winners' quiz

The 'Most NHL goals all-time' quiz

NHL News / The Hockey Writers / August 26

A Lot to Unpack with the Erik Karlsson Trade to Toronto Rumor

Another big name is being linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs, and this time, the conversation around Erik Karlsson joining the team’s blue line this season is sparking serious debate.

NHL News / Yardbarker

The best and worst NHL free agency deals since 2000

The NHL has had an interesting new millennium. It was a league sans a salary cap when the 2000s started… and then the owners locked the players out for an entire season.

Pittsburgh Penguins News / Pens Labyrinth / August 26

NHL insider reveals shocking Trade scenario that could send Penguins star to Canada

Even though those within the Pittsburgh Penguins organization have high hopes of making the playoffs this year, that wish might not come true. On paper they are worse than they were the last time they hit the ice.

Erik Karlsson News / Trade Talk Sports / August 26

Erik Karlsson predicted to land with the Maple Leafs

Erik Karlsson’s future with the Pittsburgh Penguins beyond this upcoming season is uncertain, and as a result, some are already speculating and predicting what’s to come for the three-time Norris Trophy winner.

Pittsburgh Penguins News / Dose.ca / August 25

Erik Karlsson in Toronto: A Possible Scenario (According to Elliotte Friedman)

In a recent episode of his “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman explored the possibility of Erik Karlsson ending up in Toronto next season. And this isn't necessarily a prediction made out of thin air.

NHL News / The Hockey Writers / August 25

NHL Rumors: Karlsson to Toronto, Edvinsson Baffled, Hughes and Makar News

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Erik Karlsson could be on a path to Toronto if the Pittsburgh Penguins fall out of contention. Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings are in such disarray that their own players don’t even know who to talk to about their contracts.

NHL News / NHL Trade Talk / August 25

Erik Karlsson to the Maple Leafs? NHL Insider Sees a Path to Toronto

“Depending on how both teams’ seasons go, my prediction is that Erik Karlsson becomes a Toronto Maple Leaf.” Eliotte Friedman said one of his sources sees this as a real possibility.

Ottawa Senators News / Professor Press Box / August 22

Whatever Happened to ex-Ottawa Senators Rudolfs Balcers?

Remember Rudolfs Balcers? The speedy Latvian winger came over in the Erik Karlsson trade and looked like he might stick around for a while in Ottawa. And, for a stretch, he did.

NHL News / Yardbarker

The defining figure for every NHL franchise

People will talk about the “Mount Rushmore” for a franchise, which is to say the four people, usually four players, that most define the franchise. Not always the four-best players, but the four that evoke the essence of the franchise.

NHL News / Yardbarker / August 17

Three chaotic Metropolitan Division storylines for 2026-27 season

The Washington Capitals catching the Carolina Hurricanes might be the least chaotic outcome in the NHL's Metropolitan Division next season.

Rangers' Will Cuylle must prove his worth in contract year

Rangers' one-year Braden Schneider extension raises questions

Former Maple Leaf calls out Toronto over Morgan Rielly situation

Hurricanes acquire Stiven Sardarian from Sabres

Start of season in doubt for Panthers star Brad Marchand

Three keys to a successful Penguins season

Pittsburgh Penguins News / Yardbarker / August 17

Three keys to a successful Penguins season

The Pittsburgh Penguins enter the 2026-27 season with plenty of uncertainty after an offseason in which the roster saw few meaningful improvements.

Hurricanes acquire Stiven Sardarian from Sabres

Start of season in doubt for Panthers star Brad Marchand

Avalanche face a dilemma with longtime playoff hero

Connor McDavid becomes inaugural member of EA Sports NHL’s ’99 Club’

Stars resolve issues with NBA’s Mavericks over arena dispute

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The '10K-yard, 80-TD NFL receivers' quiz

The '5+ rushing-TD NFL seasons' quiz

The 'Most yards through two NFL seasons' quiz

The 'Women's U.S. Open champions' quiz

Pittsburgh Penguins News / The Hockey Writers / August 11

Erik Karlsson’s NHL Network Snub Is Hard to Justify

Twenty defensemen made NHL Network’s newest list. Erik Karlsson somehow was not one of them. NHL Network released its Top 20 Defensemen Right Now on Aug.

Pittsburgh Penguins News / The Hockey Writers / August 5

Penguins’ Erik Karlsson Trade Looks Better—But Failed Its Main Goal

The Pittsburgh Penguins completed one of the largest trades in franchise history on Aug. 6, 2023, acquiring Erik Karlsson, Rem Pitlick, Dillon Hamaliuk, and the San Jose Sharks’ 2026 third-round pick in a three-team transaction involving San Jose and the Montreal Canadiens.

Pittsburgh Penguins News / Trade Talk Sports / July 25

Erik Karlsson Back to a Canadian Team Before Next Season?

We’ve reached the dog days of the NHL offseason, so naturally come some realistic and not-so-realistic rumors and talking points. Erik Karlsson’s future

Pittsburgh Penguins News / NHL Trade Talk / July 25

At What Point Will the Penguins Try to Trade Erik Karlsson?

Josh Yohe of The Athletic was asked in a recent mailbag column about Erik Karlsson‘s future, specifically as it pertains to his staying with the Pittsburgh Penguins after his contract expires next season.

NHL News / The Hockey Writers / July 25

NHL Rumours: Karlsson Leaving Penguins, Gavrikov Unhappy & Toews Rejoining Blackhawks

In today’s NHL rumour rundown, we start off with Erik Karlsson and the possibility of him being traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins as he enters the final year of his contract.

Pittsburgh Penguins News / Yardbarker / April 10

Penguins players kept receipts before making magical run to playoffs

It turns out Pittsburgh players were quite aware that many predicted months ago that the club would be near or in the basement of the overall league standings by the time the second Friday of April arrived.

Crosby opens up about Penguins ending frustrating postseason drought

Crosby reflects on possible retirement of Alexander Ovechkin

Making an impact, John Carlson accomplishes career first with Ducks

Stars hope top defenseman will be back in time for playoffs

Stan Bowman offers injury update on four key Oilers

Maple Leafs may have found their next offensive piece

Pittsburgh Penguins News / Yardbarker / March 26

Sidney Crosby leaves Penguins' win with another injury

Sidney Crosby leaves Penguins' win with another lower-body injury

The Penguins may have won their game, but they lost their captain.

Erik Karlsson playing like the superstar the Penguins always expected him to be

Optimism around when Leon Draisaitl could return from injury?

Oilers' Connor McDavid becomes third-fastest player to record 800 assists

Senators having horrible injury luck at the worst time

2026 NCAA Men's Hockey Tournament: The standouts from Day 1

NHL News / Yardbarker / March 26

Erik Karlsson is playing like the superstar the Penguins always expected him to be

When the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired defenseman Erik Karlsson before the start of the 2023-24 season, they were doing so with the intention of him providing another superstar presence. Lately, he's been doing just that.

Sidney Crosby exits, but Penguins nip Senators in shootout

Penguins' Sidney Crosby leaves game with apparent lower-body injury

NHL Rumors: Penguins don't plan on trading Erik Karlsson

The 'NHL all-time goals leaders' quiz

NHL News / NHL Trade Talk / March 1

Even Erik Karlsson is poking fun at the struggling Toronto Maple Leafs

The rest of the hockey world tends to have fun with the Toronto Maple Leafs’ struggles, so the 2025-26 season — particularly the last three games — has provided plenty of fodder, and on Sunday, it was a fellow NHL player who took a playful shot at them.

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews cites lack of pride as team hits crisis point

Maple Leafs' trade-deadline strategy for Auston Matthews, stars revealed

Fading Maple Leafs target rally against Flyers

The 'NHL active hat trick leaders' quiz

Pittsburgh Penguins News / Pro Hockey Rumors / January 20

Penguins' Kris Letang day-to-day with upper-body injury

The Pittsburgh Penguins will be without both of their star defensemen for the short-term.

Luke Hughes injury continues troubling trend for Devils

The 20 greatest nicknames in NHL history

The 'All-time points leader by NHL team' quiz

Pittsburgh Penguins News / Pro Hockey Rumors / December 5

Penguins' Erik Karlsson is playing his best hockey in years

When the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired defenseman Erik Karlsson from the Sharks in August 2023, they envisioned him giving their big three (Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang) one last push for a playoff run.

Pittsburgh Penguins News / Yardbarker / November 10

Things are clicking for Erik Karlsson, Penguins after overhaul

The Penguins and Karlsson in particular have looked rejuvenated to start the 2025-26 season.

Zdeno Chara, Duncan Keith among eight inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

Kaiden Guhle’s future with the Canadiens suddenly unclear

Connor Bedard is establishing himself as one of the league’s best

Can Wild's Jesper Wallstedt ultimately take the starting goaltender job?

Thatcher Demko has seen significant improvement in his game

NHL News / Yardbarker / August 8, 2025

Best fits for fringe NHL playoff teams to complete their roster

Some NHL teams aggressively added to their roster this offseason in hopes of improving their Stanley Cup odds, while others traded assets for a better shot at a high pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

Stars add wing depth with latest move

Champions Hockey League pilots ‘no return’ rule for overtime retreats

Five likely NHL bounce-back candidates for 2025-26

Five NHL stars in danger of regressing in upcoming season

2026 NHL Draft: Top 15 prospects to watch at Hlinka Gretzky Cup