Penguins Hell-Bent on Dealing $92M Star Defenseman to Division Rival Hurricanes in Blockbuster Trade Proposal
In a bold move that could shake up the Metropolitan Division, the Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly determined to trade star defenseman Erik Karlsson — and they’re willing to deal him to a division rival to get it done.
Multiple league sources have confirmed that the Penguins are aggressively shopping the $92 million blue-liner and are currently in advanced discussions with the Carolina Hurricanes about a blockbuster deal that would send Karlsson to Raleigh. The trade would see Pittsburgh acquire center Jesperi Kotkaniemi, along with a 2024 first-round pick and a 2025 third-rounder.
Karlsson, a former Norris Trophy winner and one of the league’s most dynamic offensive defensemen, has two years remaining on the eight-year, $92 million contract he originally signed with the San Jose Sharks. After being acquired by Pittsburgh last summer in a high-profile trade, the 34-year-old Swede delivered a solid season, recording 11 goals and 42 assists for 53 points across 82 games.
However, the Penguins — who failed to qualify for the playoffs for the second straight season — are shifting focus toward youth and roster flexibility. With Karlsson’s contract continuing to take up a significant chunk of the team’s salary cap, General Manager Kyle Dubas appears ready to part ways with the veteran blueliner if the price is right.
That price may well come from the Hurricanes, who are eager to add offensive punch to their blue line after another underwhelming postseason run. Despite a strong regular season, Carolina was eliminated in the second round for the second consecutive year, with questions arising about the team’s ability to create offense from the back end in high-stakes games. Karlsson, known for his elite puck-moving and power-play capabilities, could be the missing piece.
According to sources, Kotkaniemi would be the key roster piece heading back to Pittsburgh. The 23-year-old Finnish forward, who posted 12 goals and 22 assists for 33 points in 78 games last season, was a healthy scratch during the playoffs, sparking speculation that Carolina may look to offload him. He is entering the fourth year of an eight-year, $38.56 million contract, but is seen by Pittsburgh as a potential middle-six contributor with upside — especially as the Penguins look to build around emerging young talent.
While the move would be risky — particularly trading a marquee player within the same division — the Penguins seem prepared to take that chance.
“This isn’t just about cap space,” one league executive said. “This is about direction. Pittsburgh knows it needs to change, and this deal — if finalized — gives them a high draft pick, a controllable young center, and financial breathing room.”
For Carolina, the gamble is in the other direction. Bringing in Karlsson would further tighten an already top-heavy salary structure, but could also finally push the team past the Eastern Conference hump.
If completed, the deal would not only reconfigure both teams’ blueprints heading into next season, but add another layer of intrigue to an already intense divisional rivalry.
