The Detroit Red Wings have plenty of cap space available to make another big move.
The Red Wings are in a nine-year playoff drought and have been active this offseason in hopes of ending the drought. Detroit could make a splash and do so through a trade, and NHL insider Josh Yohe of The Athletic believes the Red Wings will pursue a trade for Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“I really think he wants to trade Erik Karlsson, Karlsson has not worked in Pittsburgh and it’s been somewhat of a disaster to watch him play,” Yohe said on The Kevin Karius Show. “But I know there are teams that are interested in him.”
“The Penguins will have to eat some money if they do trade him, no one wants the $10 million cap hit that he comes with,” Yohe continued. “But I wouldn’t be shocked if you hear his name pop up sooner rather than later. Detroit is the team I’ve heard the most, who might be the most interested in him.”
Karlsson is earning $11.5 million per year for another two years. But, the Penguins would retain money in a trade, making him a cheaper option.
Karlsson recorded 11 goals and 42 assists for 53 points in 82 games last season. He would add some more offense to the Red Wings’ lineup.
Karlsson’s Name Has Come Up in Trade Rumors
The Penguins are looking to start a rebuild, and Karlsson’s name has come up in trade rumors.
NHL insider Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet named Karlsson his top trade target this offseason, and he expects the Swedish defenseman to eventually be dealt.
“Erik Karlsson’s signing bonus was paid out earlier this month. Meaning the 35-year-old defenceman is owed $11.5 million total over the final two years of his contract. His cap hit is $10 million, but if the Penguins retain money to drop that down further (they’re currently only retaining money on Jack Johnson) then Karlsson will become a more appealing trade target,” Kypreos wrote.
Karlsson does have a no-trade clause, so he would have to approve any trade. But, with the Red Wings looking to be a playoff team, it is likely he would waive to go to Detroit.
Red Wings GM Has Need for a Top-Four Defenseman
Karlsson would also fill a need for Detroit as the Red Wings could use an upgrade on defense.
The Red Wings did add Jacob Bernard-Docker and Travis Hamonic to the blue line. But Detroit’s general manager, Steve Yzerman, says adding a top-four defenseman is a need.
“We have plenty of cap space to do a lot of different things,” Yzerman said. “The most important thing is to find players that fit. What we could use right now is a defenseman, a top-four, and preferably a right shot. But it doesn’t have to be a right shot because we can move these guys around a little bit. But that would be our biggest potential need.”
The Red Wings still have plenty of cap space and prospects to make a move for a star defenseman.
Insider Expects Red Wings to Pursue a Trade for $92M Star