NHL Insider Suggests Trade to send Erik Karlsson to East Contender

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Tom Banks
July 29, 2023 (6:29 PM)

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The Eastern Conference is stacked with talented teams, and after missing the playoffs for the first time in 16 years, it appears Pittsburgh is ready to jump right back into the mix.

A potential blockbuster

Despite their ageing core, the Penguins believe they can go on one last run, and now, one insider has suggested a way that would help them land reigning Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson.

According to Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now, there's no way this deal gets done without a third team, so involving the Chicago Blackhawks, he's come up with this interesting deal:

Penguins receive: Erik Karlsson with San Jose Retaining $4.5 million (39%).

San Jose receive: Ty Smith, Sam Poulin and the Penguins 2025 second round pick (which would convert to a first if the Penguins win the Cup in 2024 or 2025).

Chicago receive: Jeff Petry and the Penguins 2024 first-round pick.

Contenders once again?

On the surface, this appears to be a deal that would suit all sides, and pairing Karlsson with Kris Letang would no doubt mean this is a team that would be ready to compete for a Stanley Cup Championship once again.

For San Jose, this may be the only way to make a significant deal happen, and for the Blackhawks, it allows them to pick up assets while building for the future, and it appears this could be one of the best deals put together for this situation.

As Read on Blade of Steel - Insider reveals a trade that would send Erik Karlsson to this team