On the latest episode of 32 Thoughts, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman brought up a pretty interesting scenario involving Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Friedman said a source mentioned a prediction for the 2026-27 season. That would see Karlsson ending up in Toronto at some point during the upcoming season. He did make sure to mention that it would fully depend on how both teams’ 2026-27 seasons go, but the idea of Karlsson ending up as a member of the Maple Leafs is intriguing.
Friedman’s full quote on his source’s prediction:
"“Depending on how both teams' seasons go, my prediction is Erik Karlsson becomes a Toronto Maple Leaf...I was like, 'Oh, that's a good prediction.' Now what's interesting about that... When Kyle Dubas was GM of the Leafs, he tried to trade for Karlsson at one point. If it comes to the point where he's on the market, (his source said) Mats Sundin, Daniel Alfredsson, and Erik Karlsson are in Toronto. That's his pick.""Friedman
Karlsson would bolster the Maple Leafs’ blue line
The 36-year-old is also coming off a pretty good season. Karlsson put up 15 goals and 66 points in 75 games, including 51 assists. He isn't the Norris Trophy-winning defenseman he was during his best years, but the offensive game is still there. He can move the puck, run a power play, and create offense from the back end in a way that very few defensemen can.
There is also some history behind the Toronto connection. Friedman pointed out that Kyle Dubas tried to acquire Karlsson while he was still the general manager of the Maple Leafs, eventually getting the veteran defenseman during his time as GM in Pittsburgh. Now, with John Chayka in charge of Toronto, the idea of bringing Karlsson to Toronto could come up again depending on how the season plays out.
Erik Karlsson ➡️ Toronto?
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 25, 2026
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For the Penguins, everything depends on where they are in the standings. If Pittsburgh is fighting for a playoff spot, moving Karlsson makes little sense. If the season starts going sideways, however, his expiring contract could make him one of the more interesting names available around the trade deadline.
Toronto would have some obvious hurdles to clear. Karlsson's $10 million cap hit is a major one, and the Penguins would almost certainly have to retain some salary for the Maple Leafs to seriously consider it. They would also have to decide how much they are willing to give up for a 36-year-old defenseman who has only one year left on his contract.
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