Erik Karlsson's time in Pittsburgh is reportedly ending, per Nick Kypreos

Erik Karlsson may not finish this season in Pittsburgh.

NHL insider Nick Kypreos believes the veteran defenseman will be traded by the Penguins at some point, and given how long the rumors have followed him, it is hard to call that a shock.

Kypreos placed Karlsson on his latest Sportsnet trade board heading into the 2026-27 season.

His take is simple. If the Penguins fall out of the race, Karlsson becomes a genuine option for other clubs, as long as he is willing to waive his no-move protection to join a team chasing the Stanley Cup.

The timing adds fuel. Karlsson is 36 and set to hit unrestricted free agency when this season ends.

His cap hit is $11.5 million, but the Sharks retained $1.5 million of it in the 2023 deal, so Pittsburgh carries roughly $10 million.

Last season Karlsson scored 15 goals and 66 points in 75 games, proof he can still quarterback a power play and drive offense from the back end.

The three-time Norris Trophy winner has had a bumpy run in Pittsburgh since arriving from San Jose in August 2023, but plenty of contenders would love that kind of production.

The Penguins would likely seek picks or prospects in return, the usual path for a team that falls out of the race.

Any suitor has to check a few boxes.

It needs to be a real contender so Karlsson agrees to go, and it needs the cap space to absorb his number, unless Pittsburgh retains more salary.

Nothing is close to happening yet, and a lot depends on how Pittsburgh plays.

Still, a veteran offensive defenseman who could hit the market will draw plenty of attention.

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