NHL Rumors: Does A Reunion With One Former Team Make Sense For Erik Karlsson?

Friday, August 01, 2025 ,
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson skates with the puck during 2025 game.

Seven years after trading him away, the Ottawa Senators are once again being linked to franchise legend Erik Karlsson. 

With the Pittsburgh Penguins rumored to be exploring trades for the 35-year-old defenseman, Ottawa is viewed as a potential fit as they continue to build toward contention. Multiple insiders and analysts, including Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin and Tyler Yaremchuk, have openly speculated about a reunion, noting that Karlsson could fill the Senators’ need for a puck-moving veteran presence on the blue line.

Why Karlsson Could Fit Ottawa’s Current Roster

Karlsson remains a productive offensive defenseman, posting 11 goals and 42 assists last season with Pittsburgh, even as the team missed the playoffs for a second straight year. Ottawa’s right side is thin, currently featuring Artyom Zub, Nick Jensen, and newly acquired Jordan Spence. 

Bringing in Karlsson could provide a boost to the team’s transition game and power play, while also delivering leadership to a young group that made the postseason for the first time since 2017.

A projected trade package floated by Bleacher Report would send Karlsson to Ottawa in exchange for Jensen, a prospect like Tyler Boucher, and a 2027 first-round pick. With the Penguins seeking future assets and the Senators already without their 2026 first-rounder due to the Evgenii Dadonov punishment, Ottawa would be betting heavily on Karlsson to elevate them into legitimate Cup contention.

Sentiment and Salary Questions

Any deal would come with complications, particularly Karlsson’s contract. He carries an $11.5 million cap hit through 2027, though the Sharks are already retaining $1.5 million annually as part of his prior trade to Pittsburgh. The Penguins would almost certainly need to retain additional salary to make a trade viable for Ottawa. 

Still, Karlsson’s legacy in Ottawa and the chance to finish his career where it started make the idea a compelling one for Senators fans.

Photo Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

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