New Update on Erik Karlsson's Mindset Will Catch Penguins Attention
Erik Karlsson's time with the Pittsburgh Penguins might be approaching a conclusion, but that will only happen under the right circumstances.
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According to Chris Johnston, speaking on Thursday's episode of "The Chris Johnston Show," the 35-year-old defenseman is open to being traded. That said, Karlsson holds a full no-movement clause as part of his eight-year, $92 million contract, so he will have the final say on any move.
Johnston, however, reported that Karlsson is 'willing to be moved,' adding that Pittsburgh still considers him an asset that could fetch a solid return in the trade market.
"(Karlsson) is willing to be moved," Johnston said. "And so I think that helps, because obviously there's a no-movement clause, but it's only to a few places.
"And the flip side of this, I think, Pittsburgh rightly views him as an asset—more of an asset the closer (he gets to) the end of his deal, right? He's down to two years on that contract, and so the contract itself becomes less of a problem."
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With just two years left on his $92 million deal, the Penguins believe the contract is becoming more tradeable, especially in a rising cap environment, as Johnston explained.
'Pittsburgh does have an ability to eat even more money on it than San Jose already (did),' Johnston said. 'It becomes a pretty movable object. It just might not be this summer."
Karlsson played all 164 regular-season games over the last two years, producing 109 total points but missing the playoffs on back-to-back seasons in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) skates during warm-ups.Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
Johnston emphasized that Pittsburgh won't give Karlsson away for nothing but acknowledged that the blueliner still has enough offensive upside to drive value in the right system. The insider also believes Karlsson will grow tired of the Pittsburgh losing situation, thus facilitating a move.
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'He was in San Jose when that team went from contender to not,' Johnston said. 'He's arrived in Pittsburgh as they're headed in the wrong direction.
"I have to think he's going to get antsy at a certain point here and want to (move). As much as I think Pittsburgh has been a great fit for his family, and he likes that aspect of living there, he's only got so much time in terms of trying to compete for a Stanley Cup."
Related: Erik Karlsson-Maple Leafs Link 'More Than Just Hearsay,' Claims NHL Insider
Related: Sidney Crosby-to-Canadiens Speculation Grows Because of ESPN Insider
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
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