Erik Karlsson Trade Rumors Resurface as Penguins Add Dumba; Sorokin Speculation Dismissed

Trade speculation surrounding Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson has resurfaced following the team’s recent acquisition of Matt Dumba from the Dallas Stars. The 35-year-old Karlsson, frequently linked to potential trades since last season, may now be edging closer to an exit.

Last week, reports indicated that several NHL teams—including the Toronto Maple Leafs—had shown interest in the veteran blueliner. The Penguins’ move to bring in Dumba, a right-shot defenseman, has led some analysts to believe the writing may be on the wall for Karlsson’s future in Pittsburgh.

Mark Madden of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review argued that Dumba’s addition suggests a Karlsson trade is imminent. He also speculated that Dumba could be used as a trade chip at the next deadline in exchange for a draft pick.

Echoing this sentiment, The Hockey News‘ Kelsey Surmacz noted that while Dumba’s signing could set the stage for a Karlsson deal, several hurdles remain. Chief among them is Karlsson’s no-movement clause and his hefty $11.5 million average annual salary—of which the Penguins hold $10 million. Any deal would likely require Pittsburgh to retain salary.

TSN’s Chris Johnston reported that Karlsson is open to waiving his no-move clause but only for a select few teams. Surmacz floated potential landing spots such as the Carolina Hurricanes, the Toronto Maple Leafs, or even a possible reunion with the Ottawa Senators.

Karlsson is believed to prefer joining a team with legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations. Among the rumored suitors, the Hurricanes appear best positioned for a deep playoff run. While the Maple Leafs are consistently strong in the regular season, their postseason performance has been lackluster, with only two series wins in the past eight years.

The Senators, on the other hand, are a youthful team trending upward, and Karlsson still maintains a home in the Ottawa area. However, they may not be ready to contend for the Cup just yet.

Meanwhile, in unrelated trade chatter, the New York Islanders found themselves at the center of speculation surrounding star goaltender Ilya Sorokin. Rumors had suggested the Islanders might consider moving the 29-year-old, but those were quickly debunked.

Islanders beat reporter Stefen Rosner pushed back strongly against the idea, and Sorokin’s agent, Dan Milstein, flatly denied the reports. “Ilya has never been part of any trade discussions—not at any point,” Milstein stated. He also reminded the public that Sorokin holds a full no-movement clause.

Sorokin himself addressed the speculation in an interview with Sergey Demidov of RG.Org, saying he was surprised by how seriously people took the rumors, despite knowing his contract protects him from such moves.