NHL Trade Rumors: Carolina Hurricanes linked to deal for Penguins' Erik Karlsson

Saturday, July 19, 2025

The Carolina Hurricanes are in the market for a right-handed defenceman and Pittsburgh Penguins Erik Karlsson could be target #1. 

The team lost Brent Burns to free agency this summer, and now have a big hole to fill on the right side of their blueline. It's going to come down to money as Karlsson's on the books for two more seasons at $10 million AAV, and if the Penguins will retain at least 20% of his remaining salary, the Hurricanes would apparently jump on the opportunity.

Carolina has over $10 million in cap space to work with this summer, even after giving Nik Ehlers a boat load of money. They have a nice balance up front, two solid goaltenders, and their defence core is their only question mark at this point. Karlsson would be a great get for them and a bit of a bounce-back project, but one worth taking a risk on.

The Penguins have been busy talking trade with several teams as they have Karlsson in play, along with Rickard Rakell, Bryan Rust, Ryan Graves, and of course, Karlsson. Kyle Dubas made it very clear the team wasn't thrilled with Karlsson's work ethic last season and with reports that Evgeni Malkin won't be offered another contract in Pittsburgh, the tide is changing for the Penguins as they transition to a younger core.

Keep an eye on these two teams, the trade talks continue and the Hurricanes could pull the trigger...if the price is right.

Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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