Erik Karlsson explains why he picked Pittsburgh over any other team

On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired defenseman Erik Karlsson from the San Jose Sharks in a three-team deal with the Montreal Canadiens. For weeks, Karlsson had been linked to the Penguins, but was also targeted by the Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs and Seattle Kraken.

On Wednesday, Karlsson met wtih Pittsburgh media and quickly explained in his introductory press conference how he was linked to the Penguins and how trade discussions shifted from then on. The star defenseman revealed how he did not give the Sharks a shortlist or preferred destination, but instead that once he knew the Penguins were interested, he focused on that destination.

“I was very excited about the opportunity to have a chance to go somewhere where I could be on a team who’s contending.”

Then, the real reason emerged on why he picked Pittsburgh:

“(Winning the Cup), it’s always been the ultimate drive. I think for myself, I like to play the important games and be on successful teams and have success collectively as a group. I’ve played against Pittsburgh many times and lost against them when they won the ultimate prize. That’s something they know how to do here… I’m really excited to step into that group and learn some new things, but also bring some things.”

You have to wonder after GM Kyle Dubas admitted that he pursued Karlsson when he was the Maple Leafs general manager if he failed to because the blue liner did not consider Toronto a leading contender for the Stanley Cup…

Now in Pittsburgh, Karlsson is delighted to get another shot at the championship as we all know the time is now or never for the Penguins as the window is closing in on Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and now Karlsson to do it.

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