The Pittsburgh Penguins are exploring several NHL trade options involving defenseman Erik Karlsson amid his $10 million cap hit and recent decline in defensive performance. According to Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report, four teams have emerged as plausible destinations: the Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators, and Dallas Stars. The Penguins are focused on freeing cap space and acquiring valuable assets rather than demanding a blockbuster return, making the question of which team offers the most beneficial trade package a key topic of discussion.

Carolina Hurricanes: A Balanced Offer Featuring Gostisbehere

The Carolina Hurricanes could provide the most balanced and sensible trade proposal. With veterans Brent Burns and Dmitry Orlov no longer on their blue line, Karlsson would fill an important offensive role on their right side. Carolina has the necessary cap space to absorb Karlsson’s contract and might propose a package including defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, a conditional second-round draft pick—potentially escalating to a first-rounder—and a mid-level prospect such as Felix Unger-Sorum or Justin Poirier. The Penguins may also agree to retain some salary, creating a deal beneficial to both sides: Pittsburgh sheds cap obligations and gains prospects, while Carolina secures a top-two defenseman to address a significant gap. Despite Carolina’s recent acquisition of K’Andre Miller, the team could still use Karlsson’s experience and offensive boost.

Ottawa Senators: A Potential but Limited Reunion

A reunion between Karlsson and the Ottawa Senators would certainly attract attention, yet the Senators are not yet among the league’s elite contenders. While the team is improving, it remains uncertain how much Karlsson could impact their trajectory. A trade involving Nick Jensen’s expiring contract, a mid-level prospect, and a 2027 first-round pick might be enough to interest the Penguins, though it lacks the allure of other offers. Unless Karlsson explicitly pushes for a return to Ottawa, their package may not be compelling enough for Pittsburgh.

Detroit Red Wings: A High-Talent but Cautious Approach

Detroit presents an intriguing option with available cap space and a clear requirement for right-side defensive depth. Their offer could include promising prospects like Carter Mazur or Shai Buium, combined with a top-15 protected first-round pick. In terms of talent, this could be one of the strongest proposals. However, General Manager Steve Yzerman’s hesitancy to make significant moves so far suggests Detroit may not be ready to fully commit to a Karlsson acquisition. This cautious approach reflects the Red Wings’ ongoing rebuilding strategy and the lack of urgency to pivot toward immediate contention in the current offseason.

Dallas Stars: Matching Karlsson’s Drive for the Stanley Cup

The Dallas Stars align well with Karlsson’s ambition to compete for the Stanley Cup, making them an ideal trade partner. Their roster needs and championship aspirations closely match Karlsson’s profile as an impact player. Dallas could offer a package centered on assuming the contract of Ilya Lyubushkin, a second-round pick, and top prospect Mavrik Bourque, with the Penguins possibly retaining some salary to facilitate the deal. Bourque’s potential upside makes this offer especially attractive to Pittsburgh, offering a combination of cap relief, draft capital, and a promising young player.

Assessing the Most Advantageous Package for the Penguins

Pittsburgh’s General Manager Kyle Dubas must weigh the various trade packages carefully. Detroit may have the edge in long-term talent, but the immediate return from Dallas, highlighted by Mavrik Bourque, stands out as the most impactful. The Penguins’ priority is to move Karlsson without merely offloading his contract, as further moves toward rebuilding could jeopardize Sidney Crosby’s commitment to the organization. Dubas aims to bring in players who can contribute right away and bolster the current lineup.

The inclusion of Ilya Lyubushkin and Mavrik Bourque in Dallas’s offer provides Dubas with a meaningful choice. If Pittsburgh agrees to retain a portion of Karlsson’s salary, this deal could represent a mutually beneficial resolution, finally facilitating the defenseman’s departure while acquiring promising assets for the team’s future.