Failed trade for Erik Karlsson could now lead to imminent transaction!

Earlier this week, it was reported that the Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins are the two teams currently vying for the services of star defenseman Erik Karlsson. We may be closer to a deal than we thought.

That’s because the Penguins almost landed the Norris Trophy winner at the opening of free agency. According to the Athletic’s Josh Yohe, the Penguins came closer to landing Karlsson then.

“As I mentioned recently, the Penguins were extremely close to landing Karlsson on July 1. A deal was close to being completed that morning, which would have rocked the hockey world on what is already a volatile day.

"I know Kyle Dubas likes him. A lot. Does that mean the deal happens? Your guess is as good as mine, but there’s obviously a real chance that it happens.”

On top of that, Sheng Peng of SJ Hockey Now puts together a trade package that NHL scout from outside the San Jose and Pittsburgh organizations opined, “That seems like a reasonable trade for both sides.”

Here’s the proposed trade:

To Pittsburgh Penguins:
Erik Karlsson
Sharks retain $4.5 million per season for the remaining four years of Karlsson’s contract (40 percent)

To San Jose Sharks:
Jeff Petry
Penguins’ 2024 first-round pick (top-5 protected)
Ty Smith
Sam Poulin
Penguins’ 2025 second-round pick (will upgrade to first-round pick if the Pittsburgh wins either the 2024 or 2025 Stanley Cup, and Karlsson plays at least half of the playoff games in the championship-winning run)

Karlsson fits the Penguins’ win now mode as the window will close soon enough with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang getting older.

While the Penguins failed once to acquire Karlsson, they might now what’s needed and could come back with the best offer, especially with the Hurricanes getting serious.

We might be on the verge of a blockbuster trade …

Recommended articles:

• Penguins reportedly looking to ditch veteran blue liner
• Erik Karlsson stuns with reported preferred destination
• Erik Karlsson lands back in Eastern Conference in latest trade rumors
• Reports of monster trade coming to Pittsburgh!
• An update on the Erik Karlsson trade from insider Nick Kypreos