A Realistic Karlson Trade

Team: 2023-24 Pittsburgh Penguins

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 9, 2023

Published: Jul. 9, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I think the Pens are the last team standing for Karlsson based on fit, interest and finances. The trade will need to be a blockbuster, of course, but Pittsburgh has the contracts to move out to make this happen. I don't really understand why people keep talking about a third team, a Norris defenceman should be more than fine at $8 million a year, not to mentions the absurd cost for a third team to retain $2ish million for the next 4 years (The conversation starts with a 1st). If the Pens are looking to only move out money, it will likely be Petry and one of Granlund or Carter. I have Granlund here and Carter being moved out otherwise. The compensation will depend on salary retention and what comes back, but I think the conversation starts with a first, second and top prospect. I know Pens fans won't want to give up Pickering, but I think it's him, Yager or Poulin and picks. Yager is too good and too young of a prospect to give up on and Poulin is going to hopefully contribute this year. You gotta give up talent to get talent. Both teams benefit from the first being in 2025, as the Pens retain a first to throw out the door at this deadline and San Jose gets a pick in a year Pittsburgh will be older, and potentially worse. I also threw in a Stanley Cup conditional for a little more upside on the San Jose side of things. Did I get it right? Feel free to criticize to your heart's contempt

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