In a recent TSN column, analyst Travis Yost explored the idea of the Toronto Maple Leafs potentially trading for Erik Karlsson. In his speculative scenario, Karlsson could serve as a short-term replacement for Morgan Rielly, whose name has surfaced in trade rumors—though without much concrete backing.
Yost pointed out that while the Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t urgently looking to move Karlsson, both the team and player might be open to a change. He listed the Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, and Ottawa Senators as plausible destinations, noting that Karlsson’s significant cap hit would necessitate moving salary in any potential deal.
Yost wrote:
“If Toronto were to entertain parting ways with Rielly and his $7.5 million cap hit during a broader roster overhaul, Karlsson would be a viable short-term option to replicate his offensive production.”
Why Consider Karlsson Over Rielly?
According to Yost, Toronto could benefit from a power-play upgrade, with Karlsson offering more offensive upside in that area than Rielly. He highlighted that the Leafs’ power play regressed last season, and with Rielly’s future uncertain and some available cap space, GM Brad Treliving might explore Karlsson as a possible fit.
Last offseason, Toronto revamped its defense corps, but in doing so lost some offensive firepower. With Mitch Marner now gone, the team needs to replace that offense. Despite his shortcomings in his own zone, Karlsson remains a top-tier offensive defenseman.
Yost argued that while Karlsson wouldn’t significantly improve Toronto’s defensive game, Rielly isn’t known for his defense either—making Karlsson a potentially valuable short-term offensive substitute.
Yost also floated the Oilers, Senators, Hurricanes, and Panthers as other teams possibly interested in Karlsson.
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