Penguins GM Kyle Dubas already has trade plan to replace Erik Karlsson

Earlier this week, insider Josh Yohe of the Athletic confirmed that the Pittsburgh Penguins are open to trading veteran defenseman Erik Karlsson. General manager Kyle Dubas would move Karlsson “in a heartbeat,” according to Yohe, though he could struggle to find the ideal suitor ahead of the March 7 trade deadline.

That’s especially true because Karlsson holds a full no-move clause and two more seasons on his contract at a $10-million cap hit. The San Jose Sharks are paying $1.5 million of Karlsson’s salary as part of the deal that sent him to Pittsburgh back in 2023.

There is some belief that the market for Karlsson could pick up steam during the summer, seeing that the NHL’s cap is projected to rise to $95.5 million for the 2025-26 season. This could be a better timing for Pittsburgh to facilitate a Karlsson trade.

However, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman has linked Karlsson to the Dallas Stars, and other suitors could come calling closer to the trade deadline.

And while Karlsson’s departure would leave a void on the right side of the blue line in Pittsburgh, recent reports have revealed how Seth Jones is looking to be moved by the Chicago Blackhawks and could therefore become the ideal candidate for the Penguins.

While playing with Sidney Crosby could be enticing to Jones, it is believed he would prefer to join a contender.

Jones has a full no-move clause and could block any trade that sees him going to the Penguins, seeing they won’t offer him a playoff spot this time around.

But who knows? Dubas could be able to work his magic and perhaps acquire assets from the Blackhawks in exchange for retaining salary on Jones in a three-team trade. If the Penguins succeed in moving Karlsson, it would provide them much needed cap space for such a move.

Other suitors taking a closer look at Karlsson could come calling as we near the trade deadline in just over a week.
Karlsson’s put up 40 points in 60 games this season while averaging over 23 minutes per night. He also had an impressive showing with Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off this month.

As for Jones, he has collected seven goals and 27 points though as part of the struggling Hawks, he’s recorded a -16 rating in 41 games.