Oilers-Penguins Trade Idea Swaps Defensemen With $166 Million in Combined Salaries originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson’s name remains in offseason trade speculation, NHL analysts are starting to come up with trade destinations that could benefit all parties involved.
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One of those could be the Edmonton Oilers, who are coming off back-to-back Stanley Cup Final losses and looking to bolster their defense corps.
TSN’s Travis Yost floated the runners-up as a potential trade destination, laying out a framework that could involve Darnell Nurse heading to the Penguins in a Karlsson trade.
“Why Edmonton?” Yost wrote. “Adding more offensive firepower to this Western Conference juggernaut would seem silly at first blush, but there are two compelling reasons to consider it.
“One, the Oilers might be able to solve a contract issue of their own as part of a bigger trade. Two, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl still benefit from another playmaker on the ice, especially from the blueline.”
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In Yost’s eyes, Edmonton could address both its cap issues and its postseason struggles on the blue line in one swing if they complete a Darnell Nurse-Karlsson swap.
Karlsson, 35, still carries elite offensive upside, having averaged 70 points per 82 games across the last three seasons. He carries a cap hit of $11.5 million annually, but Pittsburgh could retain some salary in a potential trade if that helps move the blueliner.
Nurse, meanwhile, is a younger 30-year-old defenseman, but is coming off a low-production season, scoring just 33 points in 76 regular-season games. Making things worse, he carries an annual $9.25 million cap hit through June 2030.
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Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) skates during warmups.Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Karlsson, who has two years left on his deal, holds a full no-move clause but could be willing to waive it under the right conditions.
“He’s arrived in Pittsburgh as they’re headed in the wrong direction,” NHL insider Chris Johnston said about Karlsson’s mindset. “I have to think he’s going to get antsy at a certain point here.”
Related: Penguins Expected to Make Multiple Trades Before Deadline: Report
Related: Connor McDavid’s Wife Reacts Emotionally as Oilers Teammate Bids Farewell
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.