PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – With the trade deadline coming Friday afternoon, defenseman Erik Karlsson said he hasn’t been approached by the Penguins, yet, of waiving his no-trade clause.
“In my situation I have full say on whether anything happens or not,” Karlsson said after a 6-5 overtime loss to Toronto. “I have not been asked. Until I do get asked, whenever that is and if that is, I’ll take a stance. Until then, I’m not worried about it because I have nothing to worry about because I will be the first one to know for sure.”
“I will deal with that situation if it occurs. Up until now, it hasn’t. It hasn’t been on my mind at least not something that I walk around thinking about.”
Karlsson had a game-leading three giveaways including one that led to the Maple Leafs taking the lead at the end of the second period. The 34-year-old has 111 giveaways this year, leading the NHL. That is only four shy of a career high with 19 games left to play. In 144 games since being acquired by the Pens, the former all-star defenseman has 99 points. In his last season before coming to the Pens, he had 101 points.
If that doesn’t make you lose interest in trading for him, having two years left on a contract that pays him $11.5 million per season might. Although San Jose will pick up $1.5 million per season as part of the original deal.
Last week against Philadelphia he had his first multi-goal game since 2023. He does have points in 9 of his last 11 games. Whether he’s just saying it in a room because teammates were in earshot or not, he may not allow the Pens to trade him as is his right in his contract.
“I’ve always liked this group,” Karlsson said. “Obviously we haven’t gotten the most out of it. We haven’t played up to the potential we believe we have in here. That’s tough. But again, I love all the guys and have had a good time here. I will continue and do so until my time is over.”
Will that be two years from now or will that be in the next few days? Former Pens general manager Jim Rutherford had a knack for finding ways for other teams to help with contract money. Can current GM Kyle Dubas eat money while still finding some value in return for a man once believed to get the Pens back in Stanley Cup contention yet hasn’t even helped them to the postseason.
“It obviously is a stressful time here for most of this group right now with the situation we are in,” Karlsson said. “Everybody has been around long enough to know what is going to happen, most likely. That weighs on you.”
“As for my situation, I will deal that if and when it comes. Until then, I’m not.”