Which NHL teams might trade for Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson? Here are three teams that make sense to make a move for the offensive defenseman.

A lot of things about the Pittsburgh sports scene didn’t exactly go over great with the audience this week. The high NFLPA grades for Mike Tomlin continue to generate angry dialogue. So do Erik Karlsson’s mishaps and Penguins trade rumors.

That’s how South Carolina Stingrays forward Alexander Suzdalev was turned onto the sport. Born in Khabarovsk, Russia, Suzdalev was introduced to hockey by his father, a professional bandy player.

Karlsson, 34, has two years remaining beyond 2024-25 on an eight-year contract that pays him $11.5 million annually and has a full no-movement clause. The Penguins are paying $10 million of Karlsson's contract, as $1.5 million was retained by the San Jose Sharks in the blockbuster trade that sent Karlsson to Pittsburgh on Aug. 6, 2023.

It’s time to let ‘er rip. The Pittsburgh Penguins have six points out of a possible 20, with just two wins in their last 10 games. Their most recent win was a gallant effort, but they had to rally from a 3-0 deficit and be sparked by a teammate who flew off the hinges.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are on pace to miss the playoffs for the third consecutive season. General manager Kyle Dubas reportedly set out to shop anyone aside from core players such as Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and several other assets.

Unlike last season, when at least one high-profile player was absent (or in less than optimal shape) after an off-day in Las Vegas, all Pittsburgh Penguins were present and accounted for Thursday except injured defenseman P.

Erik Karlsson may be 34 years old and past his truly elite days, but that doesn't mean teams shouldn't line up for his services following a report that stated the Pittsburgh Penguins would trade him in a "heartbeat.