Maple Leafs Now Know What It’ll Take to Land Erik Karlsson

Apr 11, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) passes the puck during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center

Photo credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been given an idea of what a trade for Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson would require.The Pittsburgh Penguins, who are in the midst of a planned rebuild to prepare the team for the departures of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin as the longstanding leaders of the organization, the team is also considering how to rebuild their defensive group as well.

Toronto eyeing Karlsson, would be a perfect fit

A likely future Hall of Famer despite some naysayers, Karlsson would still like to cap off his NHL career with a Stanley Cup championship, and a deal to a contender could be enticing for teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs.

How the Toronto Maple Leafs could acquire Erik Karlsson from Pittsburgh

According to Johnston, the Penguins are looking for a legitimate return, not just seeing the 35-year-old as a cap dump, but a player who deserves assets back in a trade.

Karlsson, who is still capable of being a top-pair defenseman and is reliable enough on offense despite his age, would still be a key player for a team, especially one needing help on the blueline.The Leafs have a lack of scoring coming from their defensive end. Morgan Rielly leads the way with 41 points, but has struggled with consistency this season and his status as a #1 defenseman in the long-term is a question mark, not that it isn’t for Karlsson either.Next behind Rielly are Oliver Ekman-Larsson with 29 points and Jake McCabe with 23, having a lack of production coming in the backend, and losing a major part of their offense in Mitch Marner means more in needed from the team, especially in terms of playmaking, having to replace Marner’s 75 assists.

The Toronto Maple Leafs still need to replace Mitch Marner, and acquiring Erik Karlsson challenges their ability to find a sufficient replacement for that hole.

Erik Karlsson on paper may be the most exciting option for the Toronto Maple Leafs in terms of linked players, but will be a massive shift from what the team has indicated is their plan for the offseason to add to their forward group, a debate Toronto will have to have.

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Maple Leafs Now Know What It’ll Take to Land Erik Karlsson

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