The Detroit Red Wings have been named as one of the teams interested in landing three-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson this offseason.
A report by James Murphy of RG cited an anonymous NHL executive who identified the Red Wings, among other teams including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Dallas Stars, as talking to the Pittsburgh Penguins about a trade involving the 35-year-old Swedish blue liner.
The report also stated that the Red Wings have been pursuing Karlsson for some time on the trade market. However, the widespread belief is that a deal will not get done unless the Penguins are willing to eat up a significant chunk of Karlsson’s $10 million cap hit.
It’s worth pointing out that $1.5 million is currently held by the San Jose Sharks, the team that originally signed Karlsson to a massive eight-year, $92 million contract. The Penguins can only retain 50% of the contract, meaning any other club would have to cover at least $5 million of Karlsson’s current cap hit.
The Red Wings could afford to take on Karlsson’s full cap hit if they really wanted to. But that’s the key, here. Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman doesn’t want to make a foolish move by taking on Karlsson’s full cap hit, even if it’s for just two more seasons.
Furthermore, if the Penguins retain half of Karlsson’s cap hit, there’s no telling what the asking price would be. RG’s report doesn’t get into details about what said asking price could be. But it’s fair to assume the price would be higher if the Penguins retain salary.
If the Wings took on Karlsson’s full cap hit, the price could be significantly lower.
Why Erik Karlsson makes sense for Red Wings at this moment
Adding Erik Karlsson at this moment makes sense for the Red Wings, as they have the cap space to add a significant hit. Plus, Karlsson has two more years remaining on his current contract. That lack of term on Karlsson’s deal makes it an attractive alternative for the still-rebuilding Red Wings.
There’s one other thing. The Red Wings need another puck-moving defenseman to complement Moritz Seider. Beyond Seider, the Wings don’t have another defenseman who could run the power play and generate offense.
Yes, Karlsson would be a highly expensive addition. And yes, he’s not worth giving up solid prospects for.
But if the price is right for Detroit, it makes sense to at least kick the tires on the three-time Norris Trophy winner.
One key obstacle in a Karlsson trade with Penguins
There’s one key obstacle the Red Wings must keep in mind regarding Erik Karlsson. He’s got a full no-movement clause in his contract. So, that situation means the veteran blueliner will have to agree to a trade.
Therein lies the dilemma.
Would Karlsson be willing to waive his clause to go to Detroit?
Prevailing wisdom around the league suggests Karlsson wants to go to a contending team. That’s why the Toronto Maple Leafs and Dallas Stars could make more sense for Karlsson.
The Red Wings are not a Stanley Cup contender at this point. So, if that’s something truly getting in the way of a trade, the Red Wings could miss out on a potentially good opportunity to land a high-profile player.