Report: Penguins Actively Shopping Erik Karlsson, Three Canadian Teams Emerge as Top Suitors

Report: Penguins Actively Shopping Erik Karlsson, Three Canadian Teams Emerge as Top Suitors…see more…

 

The NHL offseason is heating up, and one of the biggest names now circling the trade rumor mill is Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson. According to multiple reports, the Penguins are actively shopping the veteran blueliner, with three Canadian teams expressing strong interest in acquiring the former Norris Trophy winner. With free agency slowing down and front offices turning their focus toward trades, Karlsson’s name has quickly become one of the most prominent in league discussions.

 

Karlsson, 34, remains one of the NHL’s most dynamic offensive defensemen. Despite his age and injury history, he has shown that he can still make an impact on the ice. In the 2024–25 season, Karlsson posted 63 points (10 goals, 53 assists) in 78 games for the Penguins, providing a crucial spark from the back end. However, the Penguins failed to make the postseason for the second straight year, and general manager Kyle Dubas is now looking to retool the roster with an eye toward the future.

 

Why the Penguins Are Exploring a Trade

 

Karlsson was acquired by the Penguins last summer in a blockbuster deal with the San Jose Sharks. The move was seen as Pittsburgh’s final push to remain in the Stanley Cup mix while Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang remained in the twilight years of their careers. But after another disappointing season, the organization appears ready to pivot.

 

Karlsson carries an $11.5 million cap hit through the 2026–27 season, making him one of the highest-paid defensemen in the league. While he remains effective offensively, his defensive play has drawn criticism, and the Penguins are reportedly eager to shed salary to create flexibility and build for the future.

 

According to NHL insiders, the Penguins are open to retaining part of Karlsson’s salary if it helps facilitate a deal, though they would prefer to move a significant portion of his contract off the books.

 

The Canadian Contenders

 

Though the specific teams haven’t been officially confirmed, speculation has centered on the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, and Vancouver Canucks as the three Canadian franchises showing the most interest in Karlsson.

 

1. Toronto Maple Leafs

 

The Maple Leafs have been linked to Karlsson since his days in Ottawa. Toronto is reportedly exploring ways to add a puck-moving defenseman to support Morgan Rielly and bring more offense from the blue line. With new head coach Craig Berube emphasizing speed and transition play, Karlsson could be a fit—if the financial details can be worked out.

 

That said, Toronto’s cap situation is tight, and fitting Karlsson’s salary would likely require moving a contract such as TJ Brodie’s or even exploring a larger deal involving a forward.

 

2. Edmonton Oilers

 

Fresh off a Stanley Cup Final appearance, the Oilers are looking for one final piece to solidify their roster. While Evan Bouchard has blossomed into an elite defenseman, Edmonton’s second pair could use a boost in skill and experience. Karlsson’s ability to drive offense and quarterback a second power-play unit could add another dimension to a team already loaded with firepower in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

 

Edmonton would likely require Pittsburgh to retain a chunk of salary, or perhaps take back a player like Cody Ceci to balance the books. Still, the Oilers are clearly in win-now mode, and adding Karlsson would align with that urgency.

 

3. Vancouver Canucks

 

The Canucks have quietly been working to improve their blue line, and Karlsson could be a headline-grabbing move to elevate their defensive corps. After missing the playoffs in 2024, Vancouver’s front office, led by GM Patrik Allvin, is eager to turn the tide. Karlsson would pair nicely with Quinn Hughes on opposite pairings, giving the Canucks a potent one-two punch of puck-moving defensemen.

 

Vancouver also has some flexibility with cap space and could build a package around picks, prospects, or even NHL-ready players such as Nils Höglander or

Conor Garland to make the deal work