The real reason why Erik Karlsson has yet to be traded is revealed by an NHL analyst

Any team with Sidney Crosby on it can compete for a playoff spot. Unfortunately, a lack of depth in various areas of the lineup has made things much harder for the captain.

The team has been out of the playoffs for the last three years despite Crosby and his 90-point-per-season rhythm, and it appears this year could be the last for the current core if they can't get a good start.

Erik Karlsson, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, and even Crosby could end up leaving the team before 2026 if they struggle at the beginning of the season.

While all these players should interest teams on the trade market, no deal has happened yet because Dubas wants to give one last shot to his players.

However, there seems to be another reason that has complicated things for Dubas in Karlsson's case, and if it hasn't yet, it will at some point.

If Dubas had had the opportunity to move Karlsson in the offseason, he likely would have done it.

The problem is obvious: no team wants his contract. Karlsson has two years left on his $11.5M AAV, with $10M in real money, as $1.5M are retained by the San Jose Sharks.

Karlsson hasn't been performing up to his salary for the past two years with the Penguins.

The 35-year-old veteran had a 101-point season back in 2022-23, his final year with the San Jose Sharks, but dropped to 56 and 53 points over the last two seasons.

If Dubas retains 50% of Karlsson's salary and the defenseman continues producing at his current level, a trade could become possible.

Fans are eager to see if the Red Wings will be on the other end of the deal.