Erik Karlsson Linked To Maple Leafs In New Stunning Projection

Three-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson had a resurgent season in 2025-26, returning to the top-10 in Norris balloting, and posting 66 points in 75 games along with a plus/minus rating of +8. But will he remain with the Pittsburgh Penguins throughout this season, as he approaches unrestricted free agency next summer? 

Insider Elliotte Friedman unveiled a projection on his 32 Thoughts podcast on Tuesday that Karlsson could wind up with the Toronto Maple Leafs this season, according to one of his sources:

He said, 'depending on how both teams seasons go, my prediction is, Erik Karlsson becomes a Toronto Maple Leaf'... I was like, 'Ooh, that's a good prediction.' Now what's interesting about that... When Kyle Dubas was GM of the Leafs, he tried to trade for Karlsson at one point. If it comes to the point where he's on the market, (his source said) Mats Sundin, Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson: Toronto. That's his pick.

The Leafs already made two surprising moves this summer, uniting the former rival Swedes, Sundin and Alfredsson, the former as senior advisor, hockey operations, and the latter as associate coach. Why not bring in another legendary Swede, who of course has some strong connections to Sundin and Alfredsson?

It's only a thought, a prediction, for now. But Penguins insider Josh Yohe did say earlier this summer that trading Karlsson would be a "no-brainer" under the right circumstances this season.

"If they aren’t having a very good season come January or February, Karlsson should almost certainly be traded, especially if he’s performing at a level remotely close to last season’s. This is a no-brainer."

Why Karlsson makes sense for the new-look Leafs

The $10M cap hit would be an issue, of course, and some significant retention would be needed. But we do know that new GM John Chayka has focused on adding mobility and puck-moving to the Leafs blueline, with the additions of Darren Raddysh and Emil Andrae. 

It's only a hypothetical for now, but we'll keep an eye on how things unfold for Karlsson and the Penguins this season.