Karlsson ‘Most Likely’ to be Traded to Penguins or Hurricanes

Add a little more gasoline to the NHL trade rumors surrounding Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Erik Karlsson. Nearly two weeks after Penguins trade talks reached the final stages, Karlsson is still with the San Jose Sharks.

On July 1, sources told Pittsburgh Hockey Now that president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas and the Penguins were one of two teams still pushing for Karlsson.

Monday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman told the NHL Network he believes Karlsson is “likely traded” to either the Penguins or the Carolina Hurricanes.

“I think that San Jose knows what Carolina is willing to do. I think they know what Pittsburgh is willing to do,” Friedman said. “I think both those two teams know what San Jose is willing to do. Does anybody move?”

One could read those comments and conclude Friedman believes talks have reached an impasse or the sides continue inching toward the finish line.

Last season, Karlsson scored 101 points, including 25 goals, while playing all 82 games for the first time since the 2015-16 season.

“I think this will get done,” Friedman said. “Most likely to one of those two teams,” said Freidman. “I just think this is a situation right now where no one is 100% happy.”

Is the Erik Karlsson sweepstakes down to two teams?@FriedgeHNIC provides the latest. @JamisonCoyle | @asgrimson | #SJSharks | #NHLTonight pic.twitter.com/W7iMUXBdO2

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) July 11, 2023

Thus far, no terms or offers have been leaked, and the players or assets mentioned are purely speculative.

“It seems like all it will take is one phone call, and Karlsson will no longer be with the San Jose Sharks,” the reporter said. “So the question’s going to be who’s willing to bend a little bit to get this done?”