NHL Sources Confirm Maple Leafs Looking At Serious Push for Erik Karlsson

The Toronto Maple Leafs are on the hunt for another offensive defenseman and power play quarterback this offseason, and James Murphy writes in rg.org, that sources tell him they could make a serious push for the Pittsburgh Penguins' Erik Karlsson.

The three-time Norris Trophy winner is firmly on the trade block this summer. But could the Leafs somehow strike a deal with their former GM Kyle Dubas? Murphy's source tells him that wouldn't be a stumbling block.

There’s more than just hearsay when it comes to the Leafs and Erik Karlsson right now.
There’s probably going to be salary retained, but the thought that there’s some kind of bad blood between Dubas and the Leafs still that would prevent something like this is crazy. This is a business, and if there’s enough interest from both teams and they figure out the cap hit and money, then that’s all that matters.

Karlsson, 35, has a $10 million cap hit with the Penguins (the San Jose Sharks retained $1.5M of the D-man's $11.5M AAV in the 2023 trade to send him to Pittsburgh). As noted, Dubas would have to pick up some of that $10M to get a deal done. The Leafs have only $4.9 million in cap space to work with at this time, though they are looking to unload some salary.

The right-shot blueliner, Karlsson has two seasons left on that $92 million deal. His offense is down considerably, however, from his 101-point Norris season in 2022-23, to just 11 goals and 42 assists for 53 points in 82 games last season.

But with Mitch Marner gone, and Morgan Rielly having been removed from the first power play unit last season, GM Brad Treliving is looking for an upgrade.

Reilly, the longest-tenured member of the Buds (12 years), saw his assists (34) and points (41) at their lowest marks in a full season in eight years. He, like Karlsson, has a full no-move clause.

Others said to be interested in Karlsson include the Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Utah Mammoth, and Dallas Stars.

Maple Leafs fans are eminently familiar with EK65 from his nine seasons with their Ontario rivals, the Ottawa Senators.