The Pittsburgh Penguins are seemingly the only team in the NHL whose goal is not to actively get better throughout the season. Instead, the Pens are embracing the rebuild, looking to deal some assets and start building their core for the future. Such a scenario leaves Sidney Crosby and other team veterans facing a big dilemma. Especially as many teams ask about a star defenseman on the roster.
Fans in Steel City might be looking forward to the 2026 NHL entry Draft, rather than the upcoming campaign. Still, the regular season will have its fair share of emotion, with Evgeni Malkin most likely playing his final year in Pittsburgh. That’s not enough to make the fanbase be particularly ecstatic about what’s next.
Crosby and the Penguins will enter the 2025-26 season with expectations at an all-time low. It will be a strange sight for the three-time Stanley Cup champ, who’s grown used to leading championship contenders year after year.
The times have changed. The City of Bridges is no longer holding its hockey club to the highest of bars, though Crosby and company would much rather that, than the resignation felt nowadays.
Erik Karlsson #65 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the first period at Capital One Arena on November 08, 2024 in Washington, DC.
Hoping to start fresh, the Penguins made it clear they are willing to deal some key players. Crosby is off-limits, however. And while Erik Karlsson could be moved, any interested buyer shouldn’t expect any help from Pittsburgh. As reported by insider Chris Johnston on the Steve Dangle Podcast, the Penguins aren’t going to retain half of Karlsson’s salary for anybody.
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Karlsson’s salary
Entering the seventh season of his eight-year, $92M contract, Karlsson poses a puzzling challenge for any team willing to acquire him. The 35-year-old blueliner has shown excellent ability on both ends of the ice, though his offensive skills tend to make the highlight reels more often.
While an intriguing addition to any NHL team, his annual cap hit of $11.5M is hard to overlook. Especially for an aging veteran. With Pittsburgh unwilling to cooperate, many organizations will explore their options elsewhere.
More of a dream
Karlsson’s production in the 2022-23 NHL season is one that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. Then on the San Jose Sharks, the D-man posted a 101-point campaign. Shattering records left to right, he finished the campaign with 25 goals and 76 assists. Karlsson became only the sixth blueliner ever to reach the century mark in a single season.
Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 11, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.
That’s an accomplishment no one will ever take away from the Swedish defenseman. However, there’s a hard truth, and that is that Karlsson hasn’t been able to replicate such success in The Burgh. Through two seasons in Pennsylvania, Karlsson has totaled 109 points.
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Which of the following teams would have the best chance at acquiring Karlsson?
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Still, the 35-year-old hasn’t missed a single outing in the last three campaigns. Thus, his ability to stay healthy is something many teams could find appealing. Whether that’s enough to overlook the financial side of such a wager, or the decreasing production, remains to be seen — and it’s awfully subjective.
