Major trade brewing between Leafs and Penguins has fans on the edge

Erik Karlsson might just be the next big name on the trade block.

With the Pittsburgh Penguins seemingly entering a rebuild phase and no longer considered true contenders, many around the league believe the veteran defenseman no longer fits the team’s direction. If the Penguins are willing to retain part of his hefty salary of a deal with two years remaining with an AAV of $10MM, Karlsson could move to a team looking to add skill and experience to its blue line.

Elliotte Friedman also recently reported how Karlsson has become more affordable when it comes to the bonuses on his contract.

“The bonus is paid, the actual cash is really down, we’ll see.”

While his defensive game has drawn criticism at times, Karlsson’s offensive instincts and vision remain his best assets. He could be a difference-maker on the power play and provide championship experience, which is even more valuable come playoff time.

According to multiple reports, the Toronto Maple Leafs are keeping a close eye on the situation. With Mitch Marner out of the picture and Toronto going all in, the Leafs are looking to capitalize on their current window and Karlsson could be an intriguing piece to add to their core.

At 35, Karlsson still has some gas left in the tank. In the right environment, he could return to form as a top-end contributor, especially for a team in need of a boost from the back end.

An unnamed NHL source close to the situation told James Murphy of RG.org that the Leafs are seriously monitoring the situation.

“There’s more than just hearsay when it comes to the Leafs and Erik Karlsson right now,” an NHL source told RG recently. “There’s probably going to be salary retained, but the thought that there’s some kind of bad blood between Dubas and the Leafs still that would prevent something like this is crazy. This is a business, and if there’s enough interest from both teams and they figure out the cap hit and money, then that’s all that matters.”

Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving is reportedly open to exploring a potential deal if Karlsson becomes available. I can’t say what it would take to pull it off and what former Leafs GM and now Penguins general manager Kyle Dubad may asked for in return. On Thursday, Pittsburgh also acquired another veteran defenseman in Matt Dumba in a transaction with the Dallas Stars.

Now that the free-agent frenzy has died down, all eyes are shifting to the trade market and Karlsson could very well be one piece that ends up moving.