RUMOR: Pittsburgh Penguins Trading Erik Karlsson? Becoming A Real Possibility Per Reporter

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James Connelly
December 18, 2023 (9:05 PM)

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The Pittsburgh Penguins experiment with Erik Karlsson is currently failing miserably and they may be looking at trading very soon.

Penguins To Explore Trading Karlsson

Recently, Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now dropped some major news regarding the Pittsburgh Penguins and star trade acquisition Erik Karlsson.

Kingerski reports the following:

"From this view of the church, it seems the Penguins could indeed trade Erik Karlsson. He's here to win, and if that's not going to happen, both sides could find a quick and amicable parting. Dubas could surely recoup the first and second-round picks the Penguins gave up in the deal, if not more, and even come out ahead. However, next summer is the more likely timeframe for that trade because of Karlsson's salary." - Dan Kingerski

Karlsson may not be the only one gone as Kingerski also added that Jake Guentzel may be traded before the end of the year:

«Even Jake Guentzel could be a goner by this year's NHL trade deadline.»

Guentzel currently has 32 points through 29 games played this season and is actually the Penguins' leader in points ahead of Sidney Crosby who also has played 29 games.

Karlsson And The Penguins' Slow Start

After scoring 101 points last season and winning the Norris Trophy, Karlsson has taken a considerable step back with his new team. He only has 6 goals and 15 assists for 21 total points through 29 games, a considerable step back. However, Karlsson has upped his defensive game/is getting sheltered more as he is a +11 which is good for third on the team.

The Penguins have struggled significantly this season as they currently sit second to last in the Metropolitan division as the Divison is the most loaded in the NHL. Being this far out of a playoff position while nearing the Christmas break is concerning and could see Team President Kyle Dubas look to move on from Karlsson in an effort to finally begin a rebuild.

As seen on Yardbarker - Penguins Could Be Hinting at Trading Karlsson