The Penguins are entering the season with much of last season’s roster intact, but Erik Karlsson remains the most likely trade candidate. In a recent article on The Athletic , Josh Yohe highlights that despite being a three-time Norris Trophy winner, Karlsson’s $10 million cap hit, recent struggles, and no-movement clause could complicate any potential trade. Any trade would likely require Pittsburgh to retain a large portion of his salary, raising questions about whether the return would justify the cost.
An ownership change could further complicate a Karlsson trade. The new prospective ownership group, the Hoffmann Family, may be reluctant to inherit retained salary obligations, while Fenway Sports Group could hesitate to commit to such a deal if it remains the majority owner. The