Monster player-for-player trade scenario sends Erik Karlsson to Toronto!

Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas might have denied speculation about a fire sale, there are still pieces that are likely to move ahead of the March 7 deadline. According to EA Creator Network Nealer, the Penguins should consider sending veteran defenseman Erik Karlsson to the Toronto Maple Leafs in a monster player for player trade that would see Morgan Rielly end up in Pittsburgh.

I can tell you now, the proposal has a lot of Maple Leafs fans frustrated with just the idea.

Nealer goes on to explain how he believes the swap makes sense, pointing out the following:

- Both atrocious defensively
- Karlsson better offensively
- Karlsson brings needed point shot threat
- Would likely fix powerplay
- easier to find LHD partner than RHD for Rielly
- cap retention on Karlsson would make their cap hits near equal

Nealer’s suggestion come with the fact that the blue line in Toronto would benefit from offensive spark and a true playmaker, and he believes that Karlsson would be a massive improvement over Rielly.

The Penguins may be struggling again in 2024-25, Karlsson has still managed to rack up four goals and 28 assists, adding 61 blocked shots as well. He would also be an immediate boost on the power-play thanks to his impressive 301 career points on the man advantage.

There is a sense in Pittsburgh that, despite Karlsson’s salary, the veteran defenseman could be on the move. However, I’m not sure the Maple Leafs, even with salary retention from the Penguins, would benefit from acquiring an expensive aging asset whose best seasons are behind him.

The proposal got a lot of people talking on social media, especially when directly responding to Nealer’s post proposing the controversial swap.

Karlsson has two years left on his contract with the Penguins, carrying $10 million of his $11.5-million annual cap hit. He also has a full no-move clause, and as for Rielly, I can’t see him accept to waive his clause to land in Pittsburgh where a significant retooling will be taking place.

What do you make of this player for player scenario between the Penguins and the Maple Leafs?