Penguins, Erik Karlsson Reportedly Open to Trade Amid Salary, No-Move Clause Challenges

Erik Karlsson, the veteran defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins, is likely to be traded this offseason as the team enters a rebuild and he seeks to join a Stanley Cup contender. Karlsson, 35, holds a full no-movement clause, which he is reportedly willing to waive only for a contender, giving him significant leverage in trade discussions. His $10 million cap hit, retained partially by the San Jose Sharks, and a $5 million signing bonus due on July 1 complicate trade talks, with teams preferring to acquire him after the bonus is paid, though the Penguins would then demand extra assets in return. Retaining salary could make Karlsson more attractive to potential buyers, but the Penguins are unlikely to do so without full compensation. Despite some defensive flaws, Karlsson remains an effective offensive defenseman, having posted strong point totals recently and performing well internationally, making him a valuable but risky asset for teams looking to upgrade their blue line. The trade market for Karlsson hinges on salary retention, bonus timing, and his willingness to move, with Pittsburgh seeking to maximize return amid its rebuilding phase.