With the pressure mounting to end their playoff drought, Patrick Kane’s Detroit Red Wings appear ready to make a bold move. After missing the postseason once again, Detroit is reportedly pursuing one of the most decorated defensemen of the past decade in hopes of solidifying its blue line.
According to NHL insider Roger Hicks, the Red Wings and Sidney Crosby’s Pittsburgh Penguins are deep in trade discussions involving Erik Karlsson, a former Norris Trophy winner and $92 million contract holder. Both teams are believed to be exploring financial logistics to make the deal work.
“Sounds like (Detroit) and (Penguins) talks are intensifying regarding defenseman Erik Karlsson,” Hicks posted. “Cap would be retained, not sure to which extent.”
Could Karlsson be Detroit’s defensive answer?
Karlsson, 35, is under contract for two more years with an $11.5 million annual cap hit, part of the eight-year, $92 million deal he originally signed with the San Jose Sharks. San Jose retained a portion of his salary when they traded him to Pittsburgh in 2023, but the Penguins would still need to retain additional cap space or involve a third party to finalize a deal.
Erik Karlsson #65 of Team Sweden skates during the first period against Team Finland at the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off at the Bell Centre on February 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Last season, Karlsson posted 53 points in 82 games while averaging more than 23 minutes per night. Despite being past his prime, the Swedish defenseman remains an elite puck-mover who could immediately slot into Detroit’s top-four defense alongside Moritz Seider. Adding Karlsson would bring veteran leadership and offensive skill to a Red Wings roster eager to return to relevance in the Eastern Conference.
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Karlsson’s no-move clause may complicate talks
While trade talks are reportedly heating up, Karlsson’s full no-move clause adds a layer of complexity. He has total control over any potential destination. According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Karlsson is “open to waiving his clause to join a contender.”
That detail could prove pivotal. If Karlsson doesn’t view Detroit as a true Stanley Cup contender, he could block the deal entirely. Still, the Red Wings’ young core, cap flexibility, and aggressive offseason stance may help make their case. Karlsson addressed the uncertainty earlier this year, at the end of the Penguins’ season stating, “I’ve been through this before. At the end of the day, it’s a business.”
Yzerman has the cap space and assets to close the deal
Steve Yzerman, Detroit’s general manager, has both the financial flexibility and draft capital to make a major move. The Red Wings currently have $12 million in cap space, most of their picks for the next three years, and a deep prospect pool that could entice Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is looking to reshape its roster around Sidney Crosby and potentially accelerate a mini-retool under GM Kyle Dubas. According to The Athletic’s Josh Yohe, the Penguins are listening to offers not only for Karlsson but also for Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust.
SurveyShould the Red Wings acquire Erik Karlsson from the Penguins?
Should the Red Wings acquire Erik Karlsson from the Penguins?
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A Karlsson deal would signal that the Red Wings are all-in on ending their playoff drought—and they may not be done making moves.
