NHL Trade Rumors: Penguins' Erik Karlsson To the Red Wings?

Speculation about Erik Karlsson landing with the Detroit Red Wings has surfaced again, with Jim Biringer of NHLRumors.com and Full Press Hockey discussing the idea alongside Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now. 

The 35-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman has been the subject of trade chatter dating back to last season, but whether he truly fits Detroit’s plans is far from unanimous.

Would trading for Erik Karlsson and Bryan Rust be enough to get the Red Wings back into the playoffs? 🐙 pic.twitter.com/NCjHP0ycN4

— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) July 10, 2025

Duff is skeptical, pointing to Karlsson’s hefty $10 million cap hit, Detroit’s already strong power play led by Moritz Seider, and the Red Wings’ ongoing struggle to score at five-on-five. He questions why Detroit would alter a top-tier man-advantage unit or why Karlsson, at this stage of his career, would choose a team that may still be years from Cup contention. 

Additionally, the Penguins would likely want premium prospects in return, assets Detroit is reluctant to part with.

The Case for Karlsson in Detroit

On the other side, proponents see Karlsson as a missing piece for a team ready to make a playoff push. His elite puck-moving ability could address Detroit’s transition issues and add a dynamic, unpredictable element to their offense. 

In this scenario, Karlsson wouldn’t need to be “the guy” as he was in Ottawa or San Jose, instead complementing Seider, mentoring young blueliners, and elevating special teams. If Pittsburgh retains salary and the price in assets is reasonable, advocates argue it could be a statement move signaling Detroit’s readiness to contend.

Trade Target Tiers for the Red Wings:

S (Dream Big) - Jason Robertson/Mason Mctavish

A (Great Fit) - Bryan Rust/Rickard Rakell, Jared McCann

B (Good Fit with risk) Erik Karlsson (With Cap Retain) /Bowen Byram/Rasmus Andersson

Who else would you want to see the Detroit look…

— Justin Satawa (@Justin_Satawa) July 4, 2025

Fit vs. Flash

While the cap space is there (over $12 million), the debate boils down to need versus luxury. Karlsson’s offensive skillset is undeniable, but with Seider already excelling on the power play and the Red Wings’ five-on-five scoring still in question, the decision is a tough one. If Detroit is firmly in the playoff hunt by the trade deadline, the idea may gain traction. If not, both sides may see little reason to pursue it now.

Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images