Proposed Trade Sends Penguins' Karlsson to Hurricanes in Multi-Player Deal

The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to be the team to watch when it comes to last second trades before the 2025-26 season opens. With an aging core, a President thinking about the next wave of talent for the roster, and new owners eventually coming in to help 'reset' the team, there's certainly a chance that some major moves come out of Pittsburgh this season.

While Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell have been linked to several destinations, it appears defenceman Erik Karlsson is the most likely to be moved first. The veteran defenceman has two seasons left on his deal at $10 million AAV, but Kyle Dubas is prepared to retain some salary if it means he can save some money, while adding some pieces for the future.

The Score's Josh Wegman proposed a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes, as the 'Canes have been linked to Karlsson all summer long. Carolina lost Brent Burns in free agency, and have a gaping hole on the right side of their blue line, and will need some more offence from their back end. 

Table with 2 columns and 4 rows. (column headers with buttons are sortable)

D Erik Karlsson ($2M retained)	D Shayne Gostisbehere
	F Felix Unger Sörum
	Top-10 protected 2026 1st-round pick
	2027 3rd-round pick

Gostisbehere could give the Penguins someone to run their power play, while also landing three assets for the future. Carolina would get Karlsson at $8 million for two seasons, with hopes he can turn back the clock to his Norris trophy winning days, or at least be a point per game player, or close too.

Do you like this deal for both sides?

Photo credit: Bob Lee, Imagn Images