Erik Karlsson file: Hurricanes and Penguins neck and neck

Erik Karlsson, the most recent Norris Trophy winner, has been the subject of a great deal of attention in recent weeks, if not months.

The San Jose Sharks defenseman has been the subject of trade rumors for quite some time now, and we know he wants to leave San Jose to join a Stanley Cup contender.

He wants to win.

The problem with Karlsson is his very heavy contract, which is very difficult to trade.

At age 33, Karlsson is still pocketing $11.5 million a year for four more seasons.

Naturally, the Sharks aren’t too keen on withholding 50% of his salary.

However, some salary withholding may be the only way to successfully trade number 65.

It now appears that two teams are neck-and-neck to acquire Karlsson.

They are the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Carolina Hurricanes.

Erik Karlsson to the Canes or Penguins? 👀 pic.twitter.com/JuI8tGCRQi

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 1, 2023

The Seattle Kraken also remains one to watch.

Both teams are very interested in acquiring the Sharks’ offensive defenseman, who is coming off an incredible 101-point season.

According to Pierre LeBrun, the next few hours will be very important in this matter.

The Hurricanes continue to push on Erik Karlsson. We’ll see where it goes, but the next 24-48 hours should be interesting on that front.

– Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 2, 2023

As for the Hurricanes, despite yesterday’s signing of Dmitri Orlov, they’re still totally in the running, and have the leeway to do so.

The Orlov signing does not take Carolina out of the Erik Karlsson trade talks. The ‘Canes still have room and interest in Karlsson.

– Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2023

With only $2 million available under the cap, some salary will clearly have to go to San Jose, and the Sharks will surely have to retain close to 50%.

The Hurricanes really want to reunite Erik Karlsson with Brent Burns, and it looks like it.

Not the most defensive duo, let’s say.

The Hurricanes and Penguins are reportedly in on Erik Karlsson, the best offensive defenseman and one of the worst defensive defensemen in field hockey. pic.twitter.com/GvZp48pQcZ

– JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 1, 2023

The Penguins are also keen to acquire Karlsson.

#SJSharks No word from Pittsburgh if the pursuit of Erik Karlsson from new Penguins President of Hockey Operations Kyle Dubas continues into day 2: https://t.co/4iT1AjiJpK

– Jon Swenson (@jonswenson) July 2, 2023

The problem is, they’re already $2 million over the cap.

So a trade for Karlsson would certainly send a lot of salary to San Jose in return.

Part of that salary would certainly be former Montreal Canadien Jeff Petry.

This would be a strong acquisition for the Penguins, but is it really necessary?

The Penguins are on a downward slope and didn’t make the playoffs last season.

In short, the Erik Karlsson file will be closely monitored in the coming hours.

In a gust

– To watch today.

It’s the first day of on-ice activities at #Habs development camp in Brossard:
Goalies will be on the ice at 9:15am ET
Forwards at 11:15am ET (on rink 1)
and defensemen also at 11:15am ET (on rink 2)

– Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) July 2, 2023

– Already four goalies on the ice.

4 goalies are on the ice to start training:
– Jakub Dobes
– Emmett Croteau
– Samuel Urban
– Quentin Miller@CanadiensMTL @TVASports pic.twitter.com/9TKT3wQLyD

– Mathieu Bédard (@MatBedardTva) July 2, 2023

– Size always matters in the NHL.

It’s worth noting that Michkov, Benson, Perreault, Brindley, Cristall, Lardis and Perron all were drafted later than many expected. Like it or not, most NHL teams put a premium on size, and when you watch the NHL playoffs, you see why. A few smaller guys excel but it’s only a few

– Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) July 2, 2023

– I agree, it’s time for the young guys.

#Habs remaining veterans are unlikely to return anything in this climate. What IS valuable is their cap space – so team also needs to make sure to weaponize it, and not let it go to waste. Between now and ’24 deadline, lots of opportunity there.

– Dan Kramer (@DanKramerHabs) July 2, 2023

– Read more.