Detroit Red Wings acquire $92M Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman: Talks are intensifying per NHL insider
Photo credit: Amy Irvin / Hockey Writers
Trade talks involving the Detroit Red Wings and a $92 million Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman are intensifying, per a new report.
After missing the playoffs for nine straight seasons, the Red Wings are under massive pressure to avoid making it an even decade without postseason hockey.
With the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs firmly in their sights, Detroit knows they can't afford to sit and wait this summer.
According to The Athletic's Shayna Goldman, one name stands out on the trade market: Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson.
Pittsburgh is reportedly looking to move on from the 35-year-old, who's only two seasons into his stint with the Pens, and Detroit checks a lot of boxes as a potential landing spot.
"Speaking of teams with weaknesses on the right, there's the Red Wings. Behind Moritz Seider, their current depth includes Jacob Bernard-Docker and Justin Holl.
Like Ottawa and even Vancouver, Detroit's not a true contender yet. But with an aggressive offseason, there's a path back to the postseason. One of the keys is bolstering the offense."
Like Ottawa and even Vancouver, Detroit's not a true contender yet. But with an aggressive offseason, there's a path back to the postseason. One of the keys is bolstering the offense."
And that's exactly where Karlsson comes in. He's still one of the top offensive defensemen in the NHL, a player who could instantly elevate Detroit's power play into one of the league's most dangerous units.
The problem last year wasn't the man advantage; it was even-strength scoring. The Red Wings ranked 25th in expected goals and dropped all the way to 30th in actual scoring.
Adding a puck-mover like Karlsson could change that overnight:
"Detroit's expected goal generation ranked 25th in the league, and its scoring sunk to 30th. Adding a puck-mover of Karlsson's caliber could help the Red Wings regain control and push back up ice."
Of course, it's not that simple. Karlsson carries a hefty cap hit, and though Detroit has $21.3 million in space, per PuckPedia, they might still need to buy out contracts like Holl or Tarasenko to get it done. Plus, Karlsson's full no-movement clause means he decides where he goes.
But if he's willing, Detroit could get a game-changing piece who could mentor Simon Edvinsson and Moritz Seider. It's a deal that might just put the Red Wings back on the NHL playoff landscape.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 7 | 412 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings acquire $92M Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman: Talks are intensifying per NHL insider Would you like to see the Detroit Red Wings acquire Erik Karlsson in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins? | ||
| Yes | 253 | 61.4 % |
| No | 159 | 38.6 % |
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