Atlantic Division Team Tied to Future Hall of Famer Erik Karlsson in Trade Talks

In two seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Erik Karlsson has scored above 50 points in each, but on the defensive end of the ice, his game has taken a steep decline as he enters his mid 30's.

With the team missing the post-season for three straight seasons, they appear to be pivoting towards a rebuild, and while Karlsson hasn't starred for them yet, he still makes perfect sense as a trade chip this off-season, with many predicting he'll be on the move.

We've seen little movement on that front however, but as of late chatter has picked up a little, with John Shannon naming both Ottawa and Detroit as logical landing spots for the three-time Norris Trophy winner.

However, Shannon did note that the Red Wings, with their need for offense from their blue line and their significant group of assets they can part with as the more logical destination of the two, with the team also linked to Rasmus Andersson this off-season as they look to take a leap back into post-season contention.

Much has been made of the significant Karlsson contract and how hard it will be to move that, but as of right now, it expires after 2026/27, and for contending teams looking to add an experienced veteran, he's much more affordable than he was once seen as.

There's still some time until training camp and the 2025/26 pre-season begins, so there's time for things to turn around significantly, and while it's been quiet on the Karlsson front thus far, with candidates emerging as of late, things could pick up soon.