Karlsson Trade Chatter Picks Up Again, Canadian Teams in the Mix
Trade buzz around Erik Karlsson is making the rounds once more, with TSN’s Travis Yost suggesting that three Canadian teams — the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, and Ottawa Senators — could be realistic trade destinations for the Penguins defenseman. While Toronto and Ottawa have previously been linked to Karlsson, Edmonton’s potential interest stands out. The Oilers had reportedly shown interest at the 2023 trade deadline, but since then, they’ve handed a major $10.5 million deal to Evan Bouchard.
Yost floated a bold scenario in which Edmonton might move on from Darnell Nurse in a trade for Karlsson. Similarly, he proposed that Morgan Rielly could head to Pittsburgh if a deal materialized with Toronto. However, both Nurse and Rielly have no-trade clauses, complicating any such moves.
Nurse’s $9.25 million cap hit means Edmonton would only benefit if Pittsburgh retains a portion of Karlsson’s salary. Even with 50% retention, Karlsson would carry a $5 million cap hit, bringing offensive upside but also defensive liability. Over the last three seasons, Karlsson has averaged 70 points per 82 games.
In Toronto’s case, if Rielly is moved, Karlsson could temporarily boost their offense — especially with Mitch Marner gone and the power play in decline. Other potential landing spots for Karlsson, according to Yost, include the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers.
Goaltending Rumors Persist in Edmonton
Despite indications the Oilers will stick with their current goalie tandem and a new coach heading into the 2025–26 season, The Sheet’s Jeff Marek continues to stir speculation. He recently linked the team to Penguins netminder Tristan Jarry and Vancouver’s Michael DiPietro.
Marek suggested the Oilers might be interested in Jarry if Pittsburgh retains half of his salary. He also added that Edmonton should be quick to claim DiPietro if he’s placed on waivers.
Byram Extension Ends Trade Speculation
Defenseman Bowen Byram has signed a two-year extension with the Buffalo Sabres worth $6.25 million annually, quelling rumors of a possible trade or a longer-term contract demand in the $9 million range. The deal covers his remaining RFA years and sets him up to become a UFA afterward.
When speculation arose about a potential sign-and-trade, insider Rick Dhaliwal clarified that this is not the case. Instead, the short-term contract appears to be a “prove-it” deal — giving Byram the chance to establish himself as a top-tier defender. Should he break out, the Sabres could commit long-term, or he could become a valuable trade asset to a team willing to pay him as a top-pairing defenseman.
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