Penguins Make Key Decision on Erik Karlsson Trade as Maple Leafs Watch the Market

Penguins Make Key Decision on Erik Karlsson Trade as Maple Leafs Watch the Market

Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

According to The Athletic, the Pittsburgh Penguins and GM Kyle Dubas are willing to take on salary for Erik Karlsson to get a deal done as Toronto keeps tabs.The discussion dominating headlines this season at least in Pittsburgh is whether or not the Penguins are going to wave the white flag, trade off their veterans and start a rebuild while getting the most out of Sidney Crosby while they can.Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, and Erik Karlsson are the three big names expected to be dealt if there’s a deal done, and while the first two are certainly likely candidates; Karlsson is bit harder due to his enormous contract.

Penguins’ Updated Approach to Erik Karlsson’s Contract

The big caveat in a trade situation is whether or not Kyle Dubas would be willing to take on some salary in exchange for dumping his contract. Asking for 50% seems like a stretch, and regardless of a rising cap it’s going to sting.

Teams are interested in Karlsson, as has been the case for nearly a year. While teams are interested in the three-time Norris Trophy winner, they are not interested in his $10 million cap hit.

The Penguins are going to have to eat a considerable chunk of his salary to trade him, which begs the question: Is it worth it?

That all depends on the return.

While 50% is a considerable sum, even at 25-30% of Karlsson’s current deal could help facilitate a deal, especially if it’s bringing back some solid prospects and picks.

Why the Maple Leafs Are Paying Attention to the Penguins’ Trade Decisions

It’s something the Maple Leafs need to keep an eye on and figure out whether or not it’s worth trading Karlsson. The team is going to have to open up a ton of space, so trading Morgan Rielly is probably a necessity unless they decide to clean house with three or four moves.Their defense wouldn’t take too much of a hit, as you can bring in Henry Thrun, Dakota Mermis, or Philippe Myers to take over OEL’s spot, meanwhile you can give Rielly and Karlsson each a defensive standout.

Here’s a potential defensive pairing group would look with Karlsson in the fray:

You have a true power play quarterback and offensive facilitator in Karlsson, meanwhile Rielly has much less pressure as a #3 defender, and has the best possible choice backing him up.

Thrun is young and a puck mover as well, and though he doesn’t have the resume of OEL, he certainly can handle his own.

For the forwards, you can still have Calle Jarnkrok over Domi, Easton Cowan deserves a spot over Kampf, and Robertson is still a question mark.The one big loss here is Carlo, who barely stayed for a cup of coffee if he were to be dealt, but looking forward it would be essentially Fraser Minten bringing in Erik Karlsson; not a bad deal whatsoever.

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Penguins Make Key Decision on Erik Karlsson Trade as Maple Leafs Watch the Market

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