Penguins' Erik Karlsson named prime trade candidate for 2026-27

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in a weird spot as an organization, as president/GM Kyle Dubas is trying to make is roster younger, but also give Sidney Crosby a couple more shots at winning a Stanley Cup. Dubas won't be shy on the trade market this season, regardless of where the Penguins sit in the standings, and one player to watch in trade talks is defenceman Erik Karlsson.

The veteran mobile defenceman is in the final season of his contract, earning $10 million AAV, and owns a no-movement clause. There's already been talks of Karlsson signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs next summer, to work closely with Swedish legends Mats Sundin and Daniel Alfredsson, who Karlsson is very close with off the ice.

Recently, Daily Faceoff's Matt Larkin noted Karlsson as his prime trade candidate this season:

I’ll go with Erik Karlsson. The Pittsburgh Penguins were a fun story last season, turning back the clock to make the playoffs, but so much went right. This season, they already have a litany of absences to contend with, from the injured Bryan Rust and Benjamin Kindel to, until late this week, Andrei Kuzmenko taking leave for the death of his father. There’s a real chance the powered-up Washington Capitals and Florida Panthers push from outside the playoffs to back in, forcing a couple 2025-26 playoff teams out in the East. Odds are, the Pens will be one of those clubs. If they’re out of the hunt come the Trade Deadline, pending UFA Karlsson, who still has good hockey left in him, should be highly sought after as a righty puck-mover still hunting for his first Stanley Cup.

Keep an eye on the Penguins, as Dubas will be active and Karlsson could be the first shoe to drop.