Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Trade rumors around Pittsburgh Penguins star defenseman Erik Karlsson have started again, and it’s becoming a big distraction to the team. Karlsson was rumored to be moved all summer, but the Penguins decided to hold onto him, at least for now.

But as we get closer to the trade deadline next spring, we could see Pittsburgh look to move off the veteran for future assets. The veteran has even pushed back on the trade talk, understanding that it has become a talking point.

The veteran has been linked to multiple teams over the years, but it remains to be seen whether Karlsson will actually be moved. The Penguins are sure to hold a high asking price for his services, and teams will need to pay up to land the defenseman.

While it remains to be seen whether the Penguins will actually make Karlsson available on the trade front, the team does need to pick a path to go down with the star defenseman. Pittsburgh can’t afford to just tread water with this group, so if the two sides can’t come to an agreement on a route to go down, moving him makes the most sense for the future of the franchise.

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Erik Karlsson Traded Over to the New Jersey Devils

With all the rumors going around about Karlsson and the Penguins, the pairing just makes sense. Not only would the Devils give Karlsson a strong chance to win, but New Jersey could also use the defensive help.

Putting Karlsson into the Devils’ lineup could help push this team even further in the strong Eastern Conference, giving them a better chance to win the Stanley Cup. New Jersey has built up a very strong core over the past few years, but it has fallen short in the postseason each year.

Since Karlsson can both score himself while also being an incredible playmaker, this could help elevate the Devils on both sides of the ice. Karlsson has the talent to maximize this core group, and even though it would take a lot to land him in a trade, New Jersey should push the chips in to make it happen.

The Devils have to take advantage of the open window that they have to win a title, and going all-in for someone like Karlsson could be the answer. New Jersey could give Karlsson the type of contract that he desires, and the pairing could be very strong all around.

Karlsson may want a change of scenery as well, and the Devils could be the place for him to go. Overall, this would completely shift power to the Devils in the East, and it’s something that the front office seems to have been considering of late.