New Report on Erik Karlsson Could Open Door for Maple Leafs Trade
Photo credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
A new report from The Athletic's Josh Yohe shows that Erik Karlsson's trade potential may have skyrocketed, which could lead the Maple Leafs to make a blockbuster.
A lot of talk this offseason has come at the expense of the Pittsburgh Penguins and whether or not they are going to trade their veteran pieces and essentially wave the white flag in the hopes of being able to draft future superstar Gavin McKenna.
Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell are two forwards who are getting a lot of attention, and teams like the Maple Leafs are certainly keeping an eye on things. However, the biggest name attached to a potential trade is Erik Karlsson.
Penguins May Be Willing to Help Make a Deal Work
The future Hall of Fame defenseman has been a target for several teams though the question about his contract price and age has some teams thinking twice bout bringing him in.
Kyle Dubas is still going to do his due diligence and trade for a premium return, and according to The Athletic's Josh Yohe, he's gone if the price is right:
There is interest in Erik Karlsson from opposing teams, but the Penguins don't want to give him away for nothing.
For the right price, I believe he will be traded. The Penguins are willing to retain some of his salary. They realize he's not part of the future in Pittsburgh and that the experiment hasn't worked.
However, trading him remains complicated. I don't see him playing out the final two years of his contract in Pittsburgh.
Dubas would like to get a good return for the future Hall of Famer, whose value around the NHL varies widely based on whom you ask.
For the right price, I believe he will be traded. The Penguins are willing to retain some of his salary. They realize he's not part of the future in Pittsburgh and that the experiment hasn't worked.
However, trading him remains complicated. I don't see him playing out the final two years of his contract in Pittsburgh.
Dubas would like to get a good return for the future Hall of Famer, whose value around the NHL varies widely based on whom you ask.
While there is a concern given his age, he is only two seasons removed from a Norris Trophy, had over 100 points and was still as deadly and elite as he was a decade prior.
So is he still worth it even as he grows older?
Maple Leafs Still Need Help on the Right Side
For the Maple Leafs, absolutely. Who else better to change the landscape and DNA of the team than a former division rival and someone who would instantly make them a lot more dangerous.
Not to disrespect Morgan Rielly, but you're adding the preeminent offensive defenseman of this generation and what he can do to change the power play and day to day lineup is undeniable.
While it's going to cost quite a bit (at the very least Ben Danford, and their 2026 second round pick) there is no chance that Karlsson doesn't come in and make the team better; especially in the wake of losing Mitch Marner.
Karlsson, 35, had 53 points in 82 games for the Penguins (11 goals, 42 assists) but for his career has 870 points in 1,084 games (200 goals, 670 assists) with three Norris wins.
That's the type of player Toronto needs, and even his minimal payoff production is sound (53 points in 67 games) and rivals Rielly's 47 points in 70 games.
So if Brad Treliving wants to drastically change not only the right side of his blue line, but his entire team's playbook; he needs to try and find a way to bring in Erik Karlsson.
No matter the cost.
Previously on HockeyPatrol
| POLL | ||
AOUT 3 | 3025 ANSWERS New Report on Erik Karlsson Could Open Door for Maple Leafs Trade Do you think the Maple Leafs should try and acquire Erik Karlsson? | ||
| Yes | 739 | 24.4 % |
| No | 2286 | 75.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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