Photo credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
According to an NHL source close to the situation, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins may be closing in on a deal involving Erik Karlsson.As the trade rumors roll on during the NHL offseason, one name who pops up every now and again is Pittsburgh’s Erik Karlsson. One of the greatest offensive defensemen of all time, he’s getting towards the end of his career but can still put up elite numbers.
Part of a rebuilding Penguins team that can look a lot different a year from now, he’s more than likely want one more chance at winning it all before retiring, and there’s no guarantee he has a lot of time left.
Karlsson to Toronto? Not as crazy as you’d think
There’s more than just hearsay when it comes to the Leafs and Erik Karlsson right now.
There’s probably going to be salary retained, but the thought that there’s some kind of bad blood between Dubas and the Leafs still that would prevent something like this is crazy.
This is a business, and if there’s enough interest from both teams and they figure out the cap hit and money, then that’s all that matters.
The source then explained that with certain changes behind the scenes, it might make a deal a tad easier even if it’s with former GM Kyle Dubas:
Look, Brendan Shanahan is gone, and the guy that replaced him wants and needs to take this team deep in the playoffs.
This isn’t about Dubas’ history with the Leafs, it’s about winning and business. That’s why the Leafs are interested in a guy like [Dougie] Hamilton.
They need that offense from the backend; they need that guy on the power play. Can they make the cap hit and cap space work?
That’s what matters here, and the Leafs gotta make up that offense with [Mitch] Marner gone.
So with that being said, could Toronto actually bring him in?
Toronto needs to be careful with Erik Karlsson
Look, there’s no denying the type of player Karlsson is and what he could bring to the table, and with a Toronto team needing some injection of life offensively from their blueline, he makes a ton of sense.
But you’re going to need to trade someone of importance and that means either Morgan Rielly or Brandon Carlo; perhaps even Joseph Woll. Is bringing in a 35-year old, with a steadily aging group on the back end the right move?Karlsson, 35, had 53 points in 82 games for the Penguins (11 goals, 42 assists) but throughout his career has been an absolute superstar.
In 1,084 games with Ottawa, San Jose, and Pittsburgh, he has 870 points (200 goals, 670 assists) and is a three-time Norris Trophy recipient.
He’s also a step or two behind in the speed department and Toronto can’t risk having him caught out of position, regardless of his offense.
Plus, even with salary retention you’re looking at minimum $5-million for the next few seasons; that’s if Pittsburgh takes on 50% retention.
Toronto has a ton of exposure to Karlsson with him spending several years in Ottawa, and they know how good he truly is (he just won a Norris in 2022-23) and what he can give every night.
But as much as the team wants to change their DNA, add some more offense and create a shift in the league, it’s going to be tough considering the asset and financial cost.
Toronto needs to tread carefully because although Karlsson brings a lot, it’s going to take a lot to get him. Assets, money, and hope are all critical benchmarks of getting a deal done.
Seems like right now, all fans have is that hope.
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Erik Karlsson Suddenly Linked to Maple Leafs in New Twist, per Source
Should the Maple Leafs try and acquire Erik Karlsson from the Penguins?