Erik Karlsson Linked to Atlantic Rival in Rumors That Could Complicate Leafs' Playoff Path

With the rumors this summer running rampant regarding Erik Karlsson's potential to be traded, the Toronto Maple Leafs are a team that have been linked closely to the future Hall of Fame defenseman, and while nothing has clearly materialized, there's no doubt he would be a vast improvement to their offense.

Pittsburgh has been reported to be interested in trading the veteran and perhaps even retaining some of his enormous contract in order to do so. A new ownership situation may have a hand in things, and it's really a question mark as to what might go down.

However, that doesn't mean the rumors are going to stop any time soon, and a new report shows that a Maple Leafs rival is making a play for the defender, and it's an Original Six one at that.

According to Josh Yohe of The Athletic, the Detroit Red Wings have some serious interest in acquiring Karlsson, and might just have the pieces to do it.

It's a stunning turnaround since we figured that Karlsson if anything would be a deadline deal once his value was a little more apparent however with the Penguins wanting to fast track a rebuild and make sure they get Gavin McKenna; they may force things quickly.

Plus, it now makes Detroit a potential dark horse contender in the Atlantic, a division that has already seen stark improvements from Ottawa, Montreal, and even Buffalo to some extent.

Karlsson, 35, had 53 points in 82 games for the Penguins last season (11 goals, 42 assists) and is only a year removed from a 101-point campaign where he captured his third Norris Trophy.

The one issue holding a deal back is his enormous $10-million deal and unless Pittsburgh takes on 30-50% of his contract; it'll need to be a team who can afford him.

It's not to say that the Red Wings would immediately jump into a playoff spot, but having Karlsson alongside Mo Seider and Simon Edvinsson; he could be a fantastic mentor for the young ones on top of being their top offensive presence on the back end.

Besides it being a division rival that wants a crack at Karlsson, it means that if the team really wants to add a true offensive force back there, then they need to do some as soon as possible.

Going after Karlsson isn't going to be easy but knowing they are working with Kyle Dubas they at least have some interesting pieces that could entice him.

But beyond that, it's going to take a massive deal for someone like a Dougie Hamilton or even potentially in the Twilight Zone; Rasmus Dahlin.

Knowing that Detroit has a hand deep in the pocket with a potential deal, and the fact they have the luxury of owning better picks and assets than Toronto, it's going to be harder to convince Dubas if he's presented a serious offer.

If Toronto doesn't improve on their back end it's going to rely on Morgan Rielly to handle the bulk of the offensive load unless Oliver Ekman-Larsson decides to have a career resurgence at 34.

So they need to get a move on to grab someone like Karlsson, because from the sounds of it he might not be around long.