Noise that Erik Karlsson monster trade could take place this weekend!

The Pittsburgh Penguins signed Drew O’Connor and now their second buyout window is opening this weekend. According to insider Elliotte Friedman, this means that the Penguins could finally close in on Erik Karlsson.

Rumours have linked Pittsburgh to the Norris Trophy winner for weeks now, and it seems like we may be getting close to an official trade with the San Jose Sharks. Friedman reported on the NHL Network that he’s had sources tell him the Penguins will be making an attempt to close a Karlsson trade during their second buyout window.

“I am very curious to see by the time that buyout window closes,” Friedman said. “We have some clarity on Erik Karlsson.”

“There is noise on the radar to keep an eye out this weekend.”

Though GM Kyle Dubas is known to dislike utilizing buyouts, he simply cannot pass up the opportunity to land the top defenseman. By buying out a disappointing Mikael Granlund, who currently makes $5 million against the salary cap, could open up just enough space to finally pull off a deal for Karlsson. If Granlund is bought out, the Penguins would free up over $4 million in space for the upcoming season.

It would take more to make the numbers fit in Pittsburgh as Karlsson is under contract for the next four seasons at an $11.5 million cap hit. The deal includes a full no-movement clause and of that big $39.5 million chunk left to be put in his pockets, $13 million has to come in the form of signing bonuses. Earlier today, the Penguins did place forward Jake Guentzel on injured reserve. At the start of the season, he could be move to the long-term reserve as he has undergone ankle surgery and will be reevaluated in 12 weeks.He is entering the final year of a five-year, $30 million deal and is set to be an unrestricted free agent in JUly 2024.

The next 72 hours are going to be quite interesting in Pittsburgh!

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