Erik Karlsson traded to Pittsburgh

[Guru Tugginmypuddah]

I?m not sure anyone really walks away from this deal as a winner.

I still think it's a win for Pittsburgh.  They weren't adding a player of Karlsson's talent via free agency in the next year or two and with Buffalo, Detroit and Ottawa getting older/better they are in the tier of teams fighting to make the playoffs.  Getting into the playoffs and giving Crosby another chance to win games is all they are looking for now and they did it by offloading overpaid depth

Pittsburgh comes out the best, but it?s hard to say it?s a win. They get a $10m per year wildcard. Was last season a resurgence or just a year where everything went right? They?re definitely banking on the former, but if it?s the latter, it?s not going to make them better. Even if it?s the former, Crosby and Malkin are starting to push 40. How much do they have left in the tank? The supporting cast in Pittsburgh isn?t enough to make up any real drop off there.

Crosby turned 36 today. 

Yes. I?d considering that the beginning of pushing 40 for a professional athlete.

Yes, absolutely.   

 

[herman]

https://twitter.com/penguins/status/1688603071582998528

The Karlsson conversation dates back to his previous place of employment.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Clearly Dubas torpedoed his negotiations with Shanahan and the Leafs because he knew Karlsson at $10mil couldn't fit in Toronto's cap structure so he carefully orchestrated a situation to land with a team that could fit his prized possession.

 

[rdowdall]

Hmmm.  This does open up cap space for San Jose to take a run at some free agents next summer.

 

[herman]

https://twitter.com/penguins/status/1689006646213873666
Honestly, I forgot about this connection

 

[Peter D.]

The more I think about this trade, the more unsure I am of it for Pittsburgh.  I totally understand why it was done, but it seems like it's one of those "no man's land" moves.  Very little wiggle room cap wise, a rapidly aging core, minimal depth and weaker prospect pool, and having to re-sign Guentzel next summer is only going to chew up a hearty amount of the space they have available come then.

I'm not convinced Karlsson is going to propel them into a playoff spot considering the other up-and-coming teams in the conference, let alone give them one or two more chances at winning a Cup.

I suppose three Cups and watching one of the top 5 greatest players of all time affords the fanbase the severe heartache that'll surely follow.