NHL Rumors: Penguins core players Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang endorse Erik Karlsson trade

Pittsburgh Penguins core players Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang have reportedly endorsed Kyle Dubas trading for San Jose Sharks star defenseman Erik Karlsson.

Rumors about an Erik Karlsson trade have circulated all summer. The San Jose Sharks defenseman has been pursued by multiple NHL teams. Karlsson requested a trade from the Sharks in order to have an opportunity to contend for the Stanley Cup, and the Sharks can clear cap space by making this move.

It’s been a busy offseason for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Newly minted President of Hockey Operations Kyle Dubas is also currently acting as the General Manager. This summer, Dubas has made some solid pick-ups. The Penguins traded for winger Reilly Smith, signed defenseman Ryan Graves, and signed centers Noel Acciari and Lars Eller. Dubas also took care of re-signing goalie Tristan Jarry.

While the Penguins are looking stronger, Dubas doesn’t seem to be finished yet. He’s in on the Karlsson sweepstakes. Karlsson’s cap hit of $11.5 million has made him a bit tricky to trade, but if the Sharks retain some of the cap hit, a trade is more enticing. Would the offensive defenseman be a good fit in Pittsburgh?

The battle for the blueliner has reportedly been down to two teams for a while. The Penguins and the Carolina Hurricanes are the potential landing spots. After missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, the Penguins needed to make some changes in order to compete next season.

Crosby and Letang are in favor of Erik Karlsson becoming a Penguin

Rob Rossi of the Athletic reported (subscription required) that Captain Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang have made it clear they are in favor of Karlsson being traded to the Penguins. Their endorsement means a lot considering what a big part of the team these two players are.

Letang would welcome a talent like Karlsson onto the team. He has indicated a willingness to move from the first power play unit to the second unit so that Karlsson could be featured on the top unit. Letang would still be on the top defensemen pairing.

It’s not the first time Crosby has acknowledged Karlsson’s talent. “You could tell he’s a special player, a special talent,” he told the Ottawa Citizen in 2017. “He’s continually gotten better. You see the minutes that he consistently plays…that’s so difficult to do, especially when everybody knows that you’re the guy with the puck, and they’re trying to finish their hits,” Crosby noted.

Karlsson is a three-time Norris Trophy winner, the award for best overall defenseman. During the 2022-23 season, he scored 25 goals, the most by any NHL defenseman last season. Karlsson was the Sharks’ points leader with 101 points. He blocked 90 shots during the regular season.

The Penguins are in on Karlsson, and next season is getting closer, so what’s the hold-up? Karlsson’s expensive contract is the problem. The Sharks are reportedly angling for a big return in the trade, and interested teams are hesitant to give up significant pieces and take on the big contract.

In order to move the star defenseman, the Sharks will have to adjust their ask. If they do, it looks like the Penguins will pull the trigger. Karlsson could land in Pittsburgh with Crosby and Letang before the puck drops this fall.