Penguins Make Move Of The Summer, Acquire Future Hall Of Famer
As if it wasn’t already, it’s Stanley Cup or bust for the Pittsburgh Penguins now.
The Penguins have officially acquired 14-year NHL veteran Erik Karlsson from the San Jose Sharks. The wait is over. Kyle Dubas has pulled off his mega-deal, reminiscent of Jim Rutherford getting Phil Kessel.
Legendary Resume
Karlsson has been around for a while now. He should be a Hall of Famer when he decides to hang it up, which could be soon. As the legendary Swedish defenseman just turned 33, he can see his chance to lift a Stanley Cup dwindling.
Best move he could’ve made? Join a trio of aging, yet still elite superstars who are looking to make at least one last run before it’s all said and done.
His resume, you ask? Not too shabby. In his 14 years in the NHL, Karlsson spent his first nine years in Ottawa before spending the last five in San Jose with the Sharks.
He was the 15th overall pick in the talented 2008 NHL entry draft that saw stars Steven Stamkos and Drew Doughty go first and second overall.
Karlsson has been selected for the All-Star Game seven times. He’s a three-time Norris Trophy winner, even winning the award last year with the Sharks. There’s still some gas left in that tank.
At the ripe age of 32 last season, Karlsson played in all 82 games, finishing with 25 goals and 76 assists for a total of 101 points. He finished third in the NHL in assists last year, tied with Leon Draisaitl and behind Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov. Still elite.
What Will Karlsson Bring To The Penguins?
Even though he’s aging, he will still be a key contributor. The speedy right-handed defenseman isn’t afraid to put the puck on the net. He registered 209 shots last year and logged 25 minutes a game for the Sharks.
Assuming the first unit of defenseman is Marcus Peterson and Kris Letang, Karlsson may be in line to team up with another recently acquired Penguin, Ryan Graves. Two great pairings for a team that seems to have struggled to find a defensive identity in the last handful of years.
Karlsson now joins forces with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Jake Guentzel in hopes to lift the Stanley Cup. Not a bad core to play through for the black and gold.
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