Karlsson, 34, has two years remaining beyond 2024-25 on an eight-year contract that pays him $11.5 million annually and has a full no-movement clause. The Penguins are paying $10 million of Karlsson's contract, as $1.5 million was retained by the San Jose Sharks in the blockbuster trade that sent Karlsson to Pittsburgh on Aug. 6, 2023.

That means Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas cannot trade Karlsson without his approval, pending on the destination and his willingness to go there. While Karlsson acknowledged

Here are the obstacles to trading Karlsson: • He has a no-movement clause. Though many assume he would be willing to move on if asked, he still has the power here. The team hasn’t played well during his time in Pittsburgh, but he seems to genuinely like playing for the Penguins.

Erik Karlsson still likes it in Pittsburgh. And he still sees his station as a defenseman with the Pittsburgh Penguins as providing a viable route to a Stanley Cup championship. But certainly not this season.

If the Penguins decide to move on from Erik Karlsson, here are two teams that could come in for him at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline.

Defenseman Erik Karlsson came to the Penguins in a trade, will he leave the same way? LISTEN to what he said about his no-trade clause with deadline approaching

On one end of the spectrum is Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell. He scored two goals, including a wonderful individual charge off the opening faceoff of the third period to tie the game.