Erik Karlsson Scouting Reports

Averages over 24:00 TOI
Bulk of his ice time comes at ES and PP#1.
Equal parts distributor / shooter on the PP.
Risk/reward/transitional 'D' who will have lapses in the defensive zone at times ... but his overall commitment from the defensive red line to his net has been better than average overall in Pittsburgh. Not physical. Blocks, on average, at least one shot per game. Area defender.
Criticized for mistakes ... but ... through his first 28GP in a Pens uniform he produced 6G-15A
and was a (+12

Arrives in Pittsburgh fresh off winning the Norris trophy last year in San Jose.
There's no secret about what he brings to the Pens. Pure offense. Transitional 'D'. PP QB
Elite offensively. Thinks the game and executes in the offensive zone at one of the highest rates in the entire NHL.
Averaged 25:36 TOI last season. The majority of his ice time comes at ES and PP#1. He cleaned up at the end of the PK but was not thrust in to a primary role.
Eclipsed 100 points but still finished the season (-26) defensively
Does not engage physically in his zone. An area defender. Was credited with 90 shot blocks.
Risk/reward player. He cuts corners in all three zones to impact the game offensively but his element is exceptionally elite.

Coming off an incredible season offensively. Transitional defenceman. Risk/Reward. Lacks the consistent defensive commitment to be used on the PK or in key defensive zone scenarios
Mid-range battle in the trenches. Limited physical push back.
Elite offensively. Elevated his game offensively in 22/23 and produced the top season of his career. Directed over 200 shots on goal. Sound pace. His legs looked young after enduring some injury setbacks in recent years. Expensive contract and full 'no move clause' gives player complete control of where he goes next.