Penguins Update: B-L-O-C-K-B-U-S-T-E-R!

The much discussed and long-rumored Erik Karlsson trade finally came to fruition today. The three-time Norris Trophy winner is officially a Pittsburgh Penguin! Placing the cherry atop a reconstruct by Kyle Dubas ambitious as it was whirlwind in nature.

Frankly, I’m still trying to digest the details of the three-way blockbuster, which involved the Pens, Sharks and Canadiens. Perhaps the most complex deal this side of Craig Patrick’s three-team swap involving the Flyers and Kings (and, fittingly, Karlsson-alike Paul Coffey) I’ve witnessed in all my years of following hockey. But here goes:

From San Jose the Pens get Karlsson, fresh off an astounding 25-goal, 101-point season for the ages, and 22-year-old forward prospect Dillon Hamaliuk, a former second-round pick who stands 6’3” and tips the scales at 200 pounds. We also get the Sharks’ third-round pick in the 2026 Entry Draft.

The Sharks will retain $1.5 million of Karlsson’s hefty $11.5 million cap hit. Meaning we’re on hook for a cool $10 mil/season.

From Montreal, the Pens acquired 26-year-old bottom-six forward Rem Pitlick. A former third-round pick of the Predators, Pitlick’s displayed a modest scoring touch (21 goals in 123 games) at the NHL level.

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