At this point, the Pittsburgh Penguins should be waving the white flag. The team sits nine points out of a wild-card spot, and with only 21 games left in the regular season, they will likely miss the postseason for the third season in a row. With the trade deadline a week away and the offseason on the horizon, the Penguins’ front office has a lot of decisions to make.
Penguins Have a Busy Summer Ahead
Management has already started to prepare for the offseason. Forward Matt Nieto was placed on waivers on Feb. 26 and was cleared on Feb. 27. He can now be sent down to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He played 31 games this season with one goal and two assists. He underwent surgery on both knees last year and has yet to get his game back. He was not activated from injured reserve until the middle of November, and since then, he’s been in and out of the lineup. He is in the final season of his two-year contract and might need a change of scenery to find his rhythm again.
Ahead of the March 7 deadline, Erik Karlsson’s name has been at the top of the rumor mill. This season, Karlsson has played 60 games with six goals and 40 points. His time in Pittsburgh has left a lot to be desired. There has always seemed to be a disconnect between him and his coaches, and lately, it has shown more than usual.
At the 4 Nations Face-Off, Karlsson led Team Sweden with three points in three games and played some of the best hockey he has played in a couple of years. His defense partner, Mattias Ekholm of the Edmonton Oilers, also helped elevate his game. Ekholm plays a smart, two-way game, and he always finds the right spot.
Karlsson has not had a solid partner like Ekholm in Pittsburgh since joining the team in 2023. He looked more confident in the offensive zone and played a more responsible game in the defensive zone during the 4 Nations Face-Off. He has had flashes of greatness during his time with the Penguins, but the tournament proved he is capable of being great on a more consistent level. So, why isn’t he?
It could be that the Penguins’ system is just not right for Karlsson. It could also be a coaching issue. He seems to be at his best when he’s given the freedom to be creative. Head coach Mike Sullivan is not known for his flexibility or for letting his players do their own thing. After almost two full seasons, he is still not thriving in Pittsburgh. It might be time to trade him to a team that better suits his playing style.
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The Dallas Stars might be a good fit for Karlsson as he has already played under head coach Peter DeBoer with the San Jose Sharks. The New York Rangers are dealing with some injuries right now, and they sit four points out of a wild-card spot. They may be actively seeking a defenseman and could make the Penguins a good offer.
The Ottawa Senators will always come up in any conversation involving Karlsson, as he spent nine seasons in Ottawa and won two Norris Trophies there. The Senators are also a postseason contender, and an offensively minded defenseman could give them the push they need.
Penguins Still Clinging to Hope
The Penguins’ most recent win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Feb. 27 proved that the team is not ready to give up. Evgeni Malkin finished the night with four points, and Karlsson fished with three. The team will likely miss the postseason, but they could be back in the playoff conversation sooner than everyone thinks.
