The Pittsburgh Penguins landed their man.

by Marvin. A. Azrak

On Sunday, the Penguins acquired reigning Norris Trophy winner and superstar defenseman Erik Karlsson in a three-team deal with the San Jose Sharks and the Montreal Canadiens.

The deal saw Karlsson, forward Rem Pitlick, forward Dillon Hamaliuk, and the San Jose Sharks 2026 third-round draft pick go to Pittsburgh. In exchange, the Sharks received Pittsburgh’s 2024 first-round draft pick (top-10 protected), forward Mikael Granlund, Mike Hoffman, and defenseman Jan Rutta. The Montreal Canadiens acquired Pittsburgh’s 2025 second-round draft pick, defenseman Jeff Petry, goaltender Casey DeSmith, and F Nathan Legare. As part of the deal, San Jose will retain $1.5 million of Karlsson’s $11.5 million salary (13 percent) per year, and Pittsburgh will retain 25 percent of Petry’s salary ($1.56 million).

Karlsson is the prominent figure in the deal. He finished the 2022-23 season with 25 goals, 76 assists, and 101 points in 82 games with San Jose en route to his third Norris Trophy for being the NHL’s best defenseman.

He’s played 14 seasons with the Ottawa Senators and San Jose, accumulating 761 career points and ranking 22nd in NHL history among defensemen. He’s been an NHL All-Star seven times and leads all defensemen in assists and points since entering the league in 2009.

It’s important to note that Erik Karlsson wouldn’t be a perfect fit for every team or situation. Despite his impressive skills – as seen in his 101-point season and third Norris Trophy win – he is 33 years old and still carries a high price tag. Additionally, he is at risk of another foot injury that could negatively impact his performance. However, for the Penguins, Karlsson on the blue line is a great addition to their roster and a centerpiece of a complex trade that solved many of their issues.

Although Karlsson has some defensive weaknesses in five-on-five play, he is still a valuable asset for Pittsburgh. It gives Sidney Crosby, now 36 years old, the opportunity to compete for another Stanley Cup.

Karlsson’s strength lies in puck possession, consistently having more control on the ice (53.6 percent shot attempt share for San Jose in 5-on-5 play last season). It translates to effective defense from a different angle.

Karlsson’s defensive prowess revolves around creating offensive opportunities rather than physical aggression.

With Karlsson on board, the Penguins have an exceptional offensive defenseman who can help carry the load and take pressure off other players.

It seems that trading is also a way for Pittsburgh to correct past mistakes made by Ron Hextall, such as acquiring Granlund and overcommitting cap space to Petry and Rutta. By freeing up $3 million in cap space and getting younger players, Pittsburgh is positioning itself for success in the present and future. While Karlsson’s addition may boost their playoff chances this year and beyond, only time will tell if it leads to long-term success. At the moment, Kyle Dubas’ priority is to build a strong team around Crosby and showcase his immense talent for as long as he can.

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) reacts after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jess Rapfogel)

The Sharks cleared cap space and acquired a first-round pick. That said, they may not have received enough value for trading Karlsson. San Jose announced they’re in rebuilding mode since trading top goal scorer Timo Meier to the New Jersey Devils last season. Hoffman and Rutta are solid players, but won’t do much offensively. Hoffman had 14 goals and 34 points in 67 games with Montreal last year. Rutta had three goals and nine points in 56 games for Pittsburgh in 2022-23. Yes, he’s a defenseman. However, so is Karlsson and he still outclassed San Jose’s forwards.

Granlund, 31, had nine goals and 36 points in 58 games for Nashville and Pittsburg last season. The limited scoring won’t matter since the Sharks aren’t expected to contend in the final two years of his contract. However, taking on Granlund’s $5 million cap hit instead of more from Karlsson’s contract is a head-scratcher.

“It’s been kind of a long grind throughout not only the regular season but the summer to get this done,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said on a video call with reporters. “We’ve been going at it for a while trying to get this done with a few teams. Kyle’s been pretty upfront and aggressive for the last couple months, but it’s been a little bit of a grind.”

However, only retaining 13% of Karlsson’s contract opened them up to be big spenders two years from now, when they’re closer to contending. The franchise hasn’t made the playoffs since 2019.

“Having the ability to have some cap flexibility and financial flexibility was really important for us moving forward,” Grier said. “Clearing that cap space and having the flexibility to get involved to make some moves down the line was one of the main priorities of this deal.”

Meanwhile, Montreal made a great deal. They were needed to make the money work. They got Petery, who will either be flipped or help out their blueline. They also get a second-round pick which builds draft capital. With Pittsburgh’s retention, two years of Petry at $4.69 million is a reasonable price.

A prominent member of the Montreal Canadiens, Petry played a crucial role in securing the team’s place in the Stanley Cup final in 2021 alongside Shea Weber, Joel Edmundson, and Ben Chiarot. However, after expressing concerns over COVID-19 restrictions in Quebec, Petry’s wife Julie returned to Michigan with their family, prompting his request for a trade. Petry was subsequently granted his wish, and the Canadiens have since reacquired him. Meanwhile, Poehling left the Pittsburgh Penguins and signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers as a free agent, with the Canadiens selecting Légaré in the third round of the 2019 NHL Draft.

Demsith is also a reliable backup. The 31-year-old went 15-16-4 with a. 3.17 Goals Against Average, a .905 save percentage this season, and a +2.9 Goals Saved Above Expected.

There wasn’t an abundance of suitors in the Karlsson sweepstakes because of his age and his lucrative contract. San Jose said they wouldn’t retain much of it no matter who they made the deal with.

However, the Penguins gained the best player in the trade and shed several pieces without requiring a buyout. Missing the playoffs last season was unacceptable, and it won’t be this year.

Erik Karlsson poses after winning the Norris Trophy at the NHL Awards, Monday, June 26, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Karlsson’s unique defensive play style revolves around generating offensive opportunities and control of the puck, which aligns well with Pittsburgh’s offensive-oriented approach. With his addition, the Penguins gain an offensive defenseman who can alleviate pressure from other players and contribute to their attack strategy. It aligns with the team’s need to address past missteps, such as cap space overcommitments and player acquisitions.

Meanwhile, the Sharks’ motivation to clear cap space for future flexibility is evident, even though the value they received for trading Karlsson might be debated. The trade facilitated their rebuilding efforts, allowing them to allocate resources for the future while positioning for potential contender status. The Montreal Canadiens, on the other hand, capitalized on the opportunity to acquire assets, such as Jeff Petry and draft capital, enhancing their roster and prospects.

While Karlsson’s addition may boost the Penguins’ playoff chances, the long-term implications remain uncertain. The trade’s impact on Pittsburgh’s success in subsequent seasons will require patience and observation. The Penguins’ determination to rectify last season’s playoff miss underscores their commitment to returning to the competitive forefront.

Nonetheless, this trade is a multi-faceted maneuver that intertwines the fortunes of three NHL franchises. His addition brings offensive prowess and strategic advantages to the Penguins, aligning well with their offensive-focused approach. The trade allows the Sharks to pursue future flexibility, albeit at the cost of parting with a prominent player. The Canadiens’ strategic maneuvering also positions them favorably for the future. Ultimately, the success of this trade will unfold over time, and the impact on each team’s trajectory will depend on various factors, including player performance, injury management, and the evolving NHL landscape.