Trade Idea Has Penguins Dealing $92M Star Defenseman to Division Rival

The Pittsburgh Penguins appear ready to start a rebuild, and one trade idea has them dealing a star defenseman to a division rival.

The website PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool lets users create their own trades. One user proposed a deal that would see the Penguins deal Erik Karlsson to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Penguins acquire:

• Jesperi Kotkaniemi
• 2025 first-round pick
• 2026 third-round pick (Dallas)

Hurricanes acquire:

• Erik Karlsson

The proposed deal would be a blockbuster as both teams trade a bad contract, while Carolina has an excess amount of picks after the Mikko Rantanen trade, so package two of them to get a star defenseman.

The Penguins would acquire a first-rounder this year and a third next year as well as Kotkaniemi. Kotkaniemi is entering the fourth year of his eight-year, $38.56 million deal and was a healthy scratch in the playoffs, so Carolina will look to move him. Kotkaniemi would be a middle-six forward for Pittsburgh who could help develop alongside the young players. He recorded 12 goals and 22 assists for 33 points in 78 games last season.

In return, Pittsburgh would trade Karlsson, who is a star offensive defenseman. Karlsson has two years left on his eight-year, $92 million deal. Karlsson would add some much-needed offense to the blue line for the Hurricanes and can run the power play. He also would help Carolina be a better overall team, as the Hurricanes need to add to the roster after another playoff disappointment. Karlsson recorded 11 goals and 42 assists for 53 points in 82 games.

Penguins Looking to Be Sellers

Pittsburgh has been trying to be competitive due to the team still having the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang. However, that may soon come to an end.

After the Penguins missed the playoffs for the third straight year, changes to the roster could be coming. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported that Pittsburgh is truly trying to be sellers this offseason.

“The Penguins are the only true seller right now, most teams at the bottom of the standings are looking to add, get better,” LeBrun reported on TSN 1050.

With Pittsburgh trying to be sellers, Karlsson will likely be on the trade market. Meanwhile, perhaps the likes of Malkin, Letang, and even Crosby could be dealt, although Crosby has made it clear he wants to remain in Pittsburgh.

The Penguins finished the season with a record of 34-36-12.

Insider: Penguins Will Shop Karlsson

With Pittsburgh likely not to be competitive next season, the Penguins are shopping Karlsson, according to NHL insider Frank Seravalli.

In Seravalli’s trade bait board on DailyFaceoff entering the offseason, he has Karlsson ranked 13th on the list.

“League sources are expecting Karlsson’s name to percolate as GM Kyle Dubas spools up a retool or rebuild to get Pittsburgh back on track,” Seravalli wrote. “Karlsson has played two seasons in the Steel City and this one was better than the first. That $10 million cap hit will be difficult to navigate. But is there someone willing to give their blueline a shot in the arm with a capable quarterback? Karlsson turned back the clock at 4 Nations Face-Off.”