Since acquiring defenseman Erik Karlsson in 2023, the Pittsburgh Penguins have not seen the expected boost in their offense, as the team missed the playoffs in both subsequent seasons and appears poised for a rebuild. With persistent rumors about possible trades involving Karlsson, this article explores three realistic NHL teams that could offer viable trade options for the Penguins. These destinations vary in cap space availability and talent need, raising questions about the potential return Pittsburgh could receive for their high-profile defender.
Could the Dallas Stars Provide a Fit for Karlsson?
The Dallas Stars remain a strong candidate to acquire Karlsson, despite salary cap challenges. At present, Dallas holds just about $1 million in cap space after trading defenseman Matt Dumba to Pittsburgh in exchange for a 2028 second-round pick. Karlsson’s $10 million annual salary makes any deal difficult without considerable financial maneuvers. One possible solution would involve Dallas sending defender Ilya Lyubushkin, whose $3.25 million contract burdens the team for two more years, to Pittsburgh. The Penguins would need to retain 50% of Karlsson’s cap hit, leaving Dallas responsible for $5 million per season.
To balance the trade, Dallas might include forward Mavrik Bourque, the American Hockey League’s current leading scorer, alongside Lyubushkin and potentially their 2027 first-round draft pick. While the Penguins would lose Karlsson’s offensive skill on defense, receiving Bourque and a first-round pick provides future assets. For Dallas, acquiring Karlsson could significantly improve their blue line, which struggled offensively during the 2025 playoffs, with defensemen contributing only 29 points and just 14 from Thomas Harley, their leading defense scorer.
Why the Vegas Golden Knights Could be Interested in Karlsson
Despite skepticism from some fans, the Vegas Golden Knights present another compelling destination for Erik Karlsson, especially due to their aggressive team-building style. With star defenseman Alex Pietrangelo sidelined for the 2025-26 season and uncertainty surrounding his playing future, the Knights require a strong replacement on defense. Currently over the salary cap by approximately $7.63 million, Vegas could free space by trading Pietrangelo and retaining some of Karlsson’s salary.
A possible trade might involve Vegas sending Pietrangelo, a 2027 first-round pick, and prospect Trevor Connelly to the Penguins. Karlsson would slot in as Pietrangelo’s immediate replacement and could be paired with top left-handed defensemen Noah Hanifin or Brayden McNabb, enhancing the Knights’ defensive lineup. Although such a deal demands salary retention and asset exchange, Karlsson’s offensive prowess and experience would be valuable additions to the Golden Knights’ roster.
Detroit Red Wings as a Strategic Trade Partner for Karlsson
The Detroit Red Wings arguably represent the most logical landing spot among the teams discussed, due to their available salary cap space and pressing need on defense. Aside from Moritz Seider, Detroit’s defensive depth remains thin, and Karlsson’s arrival could strengthen their top-four defense while the organization awaits the development of prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka. To facilitate the trade, Detroit could send the Penguins their 2026 first-round pick and a promising player such as Shai Buium or Anton Johansson.
The Wings currently hold a difficult contract in Justin Holl, who earns $3.4 million annually. Detroit absorbing Holl’s contract could ease the path for Rick Nash to join Pittsburgh, especially if the Penguins agree to retain $2 to $3 million of Karlsson’s salary. This type of move would leave Detroit with enough cap flexibility—around $7 million—to pursue further roster improvements ahead of the trade deadline, helping mitigate their prolonged playoff absence.
What Trading Karlsson Means for the Penguins Moving Forward
Given Erik Karlsson’s mixed performance on defense but continued offensive threat, it has become clear the Penguins should consider moving him to maximize return value. Each of the three potential trade destinations—Dallas, Vegas, and Detroit—offers unique circumstances that could benefit Pittsburgh by providing future draft picks and promising prospects. The challenge lies in balancing cap space complications and contract retention to make deals feasible.
For the Penguins, trading Karlsson represents an opportunity to start fresh and accumulate assets critical to rebuilding their roster. For the acquiring teams, Karlsson’s skill set could address specific weaknesses and boost their defensive units. As trade discussions evolve, Pittsburgh’s management will need to weigh short-term roster disruption against long-term benefits in the quest to return to playoff contention.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Erik Karlsson chew tobacco?
A. He cheers for the English Premier League team Arsenal. During matches, Karlsson uses snus, a Swedish type of smokeless tobacco.