A failed trade proposal that would have sent Erik Karlsson has surfaced showing how expensive Karlsson would be to acquire.
Failed Trade
Erik Karlsson is the premium trade chip currently available. The Norris-winning defenseman coming off a 101-point campaign will fetch a massive return for the San Jose Sharks when they do inevitably trade him.
Recently, a trade package that Pittsburgh offered the Sharks has come to light and it has many in the hockey community gasping at the price for Karlsson.
To Pittsburgh Penguins: Erik Karlsson Sharks retain $4.5 million (40%)
To San Jose Sharks: Jeff Petry Penguins' 2024 first-round pick (top-5 protected) Ty Smith Sam Poulin Penguins' 2025 second-round pick (will upgrade to first-round pick if Pittsburgh wins either the 2024 or 2025 Stanley Cup and Karlsson plays at least half of the playoff games in the championship-winning run)
Package Analysis
To say this is a massive package would simply be an understatement.
Jeff Petry is included in the package as a potential moveable piece but also one that the Penguins need to give up to make the salary work. Petry is no slouch either with him coming off of a 31-point campaign in 61 games.
Ty Smith is a former 1st round pick (17th overall in 2018) who still has upside at the NHL level. He has been buried recently and has not been able to get ice time but he could be a player who could slot into San Jose's lineup to replace Karlsson.
Sam Poulin was the 21st overall pick in 2019 and has also yet to completely stick at the NHL level. He has stepped away from the game due to mental health issues but still would like to make an impact at the NHL level. A new start for him could be part of what helps him finally break out.
In addition to this, San Jose receives two top picks, a 2024 1st-round pick and a 2nd that has the ability to upgrade to a 1st. Both picks could be used by San Jose to get a legitimate roster player to help them out.
Overall, this would be a massive trade for Karlsson, probably the largest trade since the Jack Eichel trade, and it would shake up the trajectory of the future of the NHL. This would catapult Pittsburgh into cup contention and would help San Jose out as they continue their rebuild.