Erik Karlsson’s trade could open NHL door for 19-year-old D-man in Penguins roster, believes NHL insider

The Pittsburgh Penguins could have an intriguing prospect make the jump to the NHL this season in the event of a trade involving veteran Erik Karlsson.

In a Sept. 4 piece published in The Athletic, Penguins insider Josh Yohe tackled numerous topics related to the club as it heads into training camp. One was the future of 19-year-old defensive prospect Harrison Brunicke.

Brunicke, the Penguins’ second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, was taken 44th overall and has made an immediate impact. According to Yohe, the Penguins would have played him last season if not for Erik Karlsson blocking his path.

Yohe wrote:

“Keep Harrison Brunicke’s progression in mind during training camp. Last season, at 18, he was the best defenseman at Penguins camp. He was that good — and yes, perhaps the rest of the blue line was that bad. The decision to keep or trade Karlsson could profoundly impact Brunicke’s NHL timeline.”

Yohe underscored how Karlsson’s presence blocks Brunicke’s opportunity to play in the NHL:

“If Karlsson remains on the team, there’s really not a path for Brunicke to play in the NHL.”

As has been the prevailing rumor this offseason, the Penguins are looking to move Karlsson. However, his subpar performance and $10 million cap hit make it difficult to deal the veteran defenseman.

Yohe concluded:

“So, it’s unlikely that Brunicke, at 19, will make the roster, but a Karlsson trade could change things.”

If the Penguins can find a trade partner for Erik Karlsson, fans could see Brunicke hit the ice as soon as this season. Otherwise, the Penguins may need to make another move to clear a roster spot for the up-and-coming blueliner.

Penguins' ownership limbo impacting Erik Karlsson trade

The Penguins may find it tough to move Karlsson's contract - Source: Imagn

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been rumored to be for sale. Fenway Sports Group, the team’s current owner, is reportedly looking to divest from the franchise. But making a deal happen hasn’t been easy.

The frontrunners to buy the Penguins are the Hoffman family. But until an ownership decision is finalized, Karlsson’s future could remain in limbo.

The main sticking point is Karlsson’s cap hit. Yohe noted the Penguins would need to retain salary in order to make a deal work. It’s highly unlikely any team, especially a contender, would take on his full $10 million cap hit.

It’s unclear whether Fenway Sports Group or a potential new ownership group would agree to salary retention. If not, the Penguins could be stuck with Karlsson for the next two seasons.

If the Penguins’ ownership is willing to retain salary, a deal could get done. Erik Karlsson has two years left on his current contract and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Until then, he may remain in limbo along with the rest of the organization.