Two years ago, the Pittsburgh Penguins went all in on one last playoff push by acquiring defensemen Erik Karlsson, the then-reigning Norris Trophy winner, from the San Jose Sharks. The trade did not go as planned across PA sports betting. Eriksson’s production dropped from the career-best 101 points he set in 2022-23 with the Sharks, and the Penguins have seen their playoff drought now extended to three seasons.
Reports of the Penguins trading the veteran Swedish blueliner have emerged lately as the team is looking to overhaul its roster. With that in mind, PennStakes has set odds on which team may acquire the three-time Norris winner.
Team | Odds | Percent Chance |
Stay With Pittsburgh Penguins | -115 | 53.5% |
Detroit Red Wings | +1100 | 8.3% |
Carolina Hurricanes | +1400 | 6.7% |
Florida Panthers | +1400 | 6.7% |
Ottawa Senators | +1500 | 6.3% |
Vancouver Canucks | +1750 | 5.4% |
Tampa Bay Lightning | +1750 | 5.4% |
The Field | +1200 | 7.7% |
As a reminder, these odds are for infotainment purposes only. You will not find them at any licensed PA betting apps. While the team may be working on a trade, there are a couple of factors that could complicate getting it done. First, the 35-year-old Karlsson is due a $5 million signing bonus next Tuesday, and he has two years left on an eight-year deal with a cap hit of $11.5 million.
In addition, Karlsson’s contract includes a no-trade clause, and reports indicate the player would only lift that if he’s dealt to a Stanley Cup contender.
While the Detroit Red Wings have not made the postseason for nine straight years, they are a younger team than the Penguins, and the Wings could benefit from a veteran defenseman who could help Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Larkin improve their scoring.
The Florida Panthers, of course, have won the last two Stanley Cup, and the Carolina Hurricanes are looking to get back to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2006. The Canes have a seven-year playoff streak, and that includes three trips to the Eastern Conference Final, including a loss in five games to the Panthers this past season.
Entering his 17th season in the NHL, Karlsson has always been one of the better offensive defensemen in the league. Even as his production has dropped from his career-best 25 goals and 76 assists in 22-23, he’s still posted respectable numbers in his two seasons with the Pens.
His 53 points ranked fourth on the team last season, with his 42 assists trailing only Sydney Crosby. In 1,084 career games, he has 870 points (200 goals, 670 assists). However, Karlsson has only made the playoffs in six of his seasons and not since 2018-19. That’s why the future hall of famer is looking to move to a contender in hopes of playing in the postseason once again.
USA Today photo by Talia Sprague.
Author
Steve is an accomplished, award-winning reporter with more than 20 years of experience covering gaming, sports, politics and business. He has written for the Associated Press, Reuters, The Louisville Courier Journal, The Center Square and numerous other publications. Based in Louisville, Ky., Steve has covered the expansion of sports betting in the U.S. and other gaming matters.
Cited by leading media organizations, such as:
