Shift in Erik Karlsson Trade Talks Could Open the Door for the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
A report from Shayna Goldman of The Athletic shows that teams are weary of trading for Erik Karlsson, leaving the door wide open for the Maple Leafs to offer a deal.
There has been a lot of dicsussion recently over the future of Erik Karlsson in Pittsburgh. Trade rumors have run rampant, and with him having such a lucrative deal, it's going to take a lot to get him even though there are several interested parties.
Pittsburgh is in a weird spot right now, and with the future of Evgeni Malkin already in doubt (he's a UFA next summer), it's a debate between whether to wave the white flag for Gavin McKenna or give it one last go with the old group.
Multiple Teams Backing Off Erik Karlsson Amid Trade Hesitation
But Karlsson may not be involved in those plans, but according to Shayna Goldman of The Athletic, it might end up being only a select couple of places.
In her article regarding team concerns heading into 2025-26, she mentions that teams are weary about trading for Karlsson, and that they are backing away from putting in a potential offer:
So moving Karlsson this summer could be the best path, if there is an available buyer. It's just that the options have dwindled over the last couple of weeks.
The Hurricanes may not have signed a clear Brent Burns replacement, but management may not want to take another massive swing on defense after acquiring (and signing) K'Andre Miller.
The Panthers are out after extending Aaron Ekblad. The Senators should probably see what Jordan Spence has to offer before committing to Karlsson's contract.
Vegas appears to be a better landing spot for Rasmus Andersson.
The Hurricanes may not have signed a clear Brent Burns replacement, but management may not want to take another massive swing on defense after acquiring (and signing) K'Andre Miller.
The Panthers are out after extending Aaron Ekblad. The Senators should probably see what Jordan Spence has to offer before committing to Karlsson's contract.
Vegas appears to be a better landing spot for Rasmus Andersson.
All of a sudden, what was meant to be a bidding war for Karlsson has turned out to be a matter of a select few who can either afford to add him, or are willing to gamble on bringing him in.
Why the Maple Leafs Could Become a Surprise Contender for Karlsson
So for a team like the Maple Leafs, who have not only been linked to Karlsson but could use a huge upgrade on the blueline offensively (no offense, Morgan Rielly) the hesitancy means that they can rest a little easier.
Karlsson, 35, had 53 points in 82 games for the Penguins last season (11 goals, 42 assists) but is only two seasons removed from a Norris-winning 101 point season (25 goals, 76 assists); he makes $11.5-million for the next three seasons.
Does this mean that Kyle Dubas is going to give him away for nothing? No, but it does narrow down who he can work with if he does decide to let him go, and history has shown he is willing to do business with his former club.
Take for instance, the goaltending situation in Pittsburgh. It's not that rock solid, so why not make it so? Toronto has a wealth of goaltending prospects (plus could deal away either Joseph Woll or Anthony Stolarz too) so they can use that as a starting piece.
How's about offensive defensemen? William Villeneuve fits the bill, and with him on the cusp of the NHL, a team like Pittsburgh would be perfect to kickstart his career; and he's yet another young piece to work with.
Heck, Toronto could even throw in Nick Robertson's rights too while they're at it, as he needs a new place to play plus he provides insurance if Dubas decides to deal either Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell.
There's a few ways that Brad Treliving can make a suitable deal for Erik Karlsson, especially now that teams are backing off.
But Toronto can't afford to do so, and they need to go head-first into a deal to bring Erik Karlsson back to the Atlantic.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 27 | 1075 ANSWERS Shift in Erik Karlsson Trade Talks Could Open the Door for the Maple Leafs Do you think Erik Karlsson is going to get traded this summer or not? | ||
| Yes | 609 | 56.7 % |
| No | 466 | 43.3 % |
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