Erik Karlsson stuns with reported preferred destination

For the first time in 17 years, the Pittsburgh Penguins missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and there were immediate ramifications for several franchise executives.

It was just after the regular season ended that the team elected to completely clean out their front office, terminating general manager Ron Hextall, assistant general manager Chris Pryor, and president of hockey operations Brian Burke. And before long, former Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas was hired to fill Burke's old role.

Dubas has already puzzled more than a few Penguins fans by re-signing goaltender Tristan Jarry; he's also made a few low-level signings. But could all of this be blown away by a massive acquisition that would be strictly designed to maximize the remaining time that Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang have left in their careers?

According to The Athletic's Rob Rossi, the Penguins are "confident" that Pittsburgh is the most realistic option for defenseman Erik Karlsson, who is on the trading block after enjoying a huge bounce-back season last year for the basement-dwelling San Jose Sharks.

Erik Karlsson stuns with reported preferred destination

Karlson has four years remaining on his current deal that carries an AAV of $11.5 million. Last year, he racked up a career high 101 points after scoring 25 goals and 76 assists, and earned yet another Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman.

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