Red Wings-Penguins Talks on $92 Million Player 'Intensifying,' Per Report

Red Wings-Penguins Talks on $92 Million Player ‘Intensifying,’ Per Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson’s name is once again at the center of trade discussions.

This time, the Detroit Red Wings are the franchise linked to a move for the veteran blueliner and former Norris Trophy winner, and they may be closing in on a deal.

According to NHL reporter Roger Hicks, talks between the Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins have advanced as both sides explore a potential deal for the veteran defenseman.

“Sounds like (Detroit) and (Penguins) talks are intensifying regarding defenseman Erik Karlsson,” Hicks posted. “Cap would be retained, not sure to which extent.”

Karlsson, 35, has two seasons left on his eight-year, $92 million contract and carries an $11.5 million annual cap hit.

With San Jose already retaining part of that deal from the 2023 trade, however, Pittsburgh would only move part of that. Even then, the Penguins likely need to absorb more to complete a deal and convince someone to take on Karlsson.

Karlsson had 53 points while averaging over 23 minutes per game last season, appearing in all 82 regular-season games.

If an agreement is reached with the Red Wings, Karlsson would bring vast experience to the Detroit blue line and slot into the second pairing behind Moritz Seider.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson, 35, has two seasons left on his eight-year, $92 million contract.Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

At the end of the Penguins’ season, Karlsson addressed the speculation surrounding him.

“I’ve been through this before,” Karlsson said. “At the end of the day, it’s a business.”

According to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, Karlsson is open to waiving his full no-move clause, but only to join a Stanley Cup contender, which might block a trade to Detroit.

“My understanding is that Karlsson would be open to waiving to join a contender,” LeBrun wrote. “That might sound obvious, but he has the hammer via his full no-move, so it’s no small consideration.”

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.

Red Wings-Penguins Talks on $92 Million Player ‘Intensifying,’ Per Report

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