Despite trade rumours, veteran defenceman Erik Karlsson remained with the Pittsburgh Penguins through the off-season.
Karlsson, who carries a $10 million cap hit through the 2026-27 season, was paid a $5 million on July 1, which led to speculation he could be moved after that.
But the 35-year-old said Thursdayhe’s not surprised to still be in Pittsburgh as training camp opens.
“No, I’m not,” Karlsson said, per Wes Crosby of NHL.com. “It was a quiet summer for me. Didn’t really hear much other than what I read from you guys and all the other people around theleague, which is typical for theoff-season.”
Kyle Dubas on potential Karlsson, Rust, Rakell trades: They look every day for ways to improve. At the same time, they're not just going to offload key guys just to do it. In the meantime, they'll look for ways to get the most out of those guys. #Pens
— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) September 18, 2025
Karlsson had 11 goals and 53 points in 82 games with the Penguins this season while averaging 23:14 of ice time. The 6-foot, right-shot defenceman is entering the seventh season of an eight-year, $92 million contract for an AAV of $11.5 million.
He was acquired by the Penguins from the San Jose Sharks as part of a three-team trade in 2023. The Sharks retained $1.5 million in the deal to bring Karlsson’s cap hit down to the current $10 million.
Karlsson’s Olympic spot locked up?
Karlsson shined as member of Team Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, posting a goal and three points in three games while averaging 18:09 of ice time.
The three-time Norris Trophy winner said Thursday he believes he’s already locked up his spot on Sweden’s roster for the 2026 Olympics.
“I’m aiming to play in the Olympics,” Karlsson said. “As of right now, I think I’m a lock on that team. I still have to prove myself and show them I can still play at a very high level. I think I’ve done that up until now.”
Rasmus Dahlin, Victor Hedman, Adrian Kempe, Gabriel Landeskog, William Nylander, and Lucas Raymond were the six first six players named to Sweden’s roster in June.
Karlsson won silver as a member of Team Sweden at Sochi 2014.
