Ben Shelley: Analyzing the Erik Karlsson trade

Ben Shelley: Analyzing the Erik Karlsson trade
- Ben.Shelley.

The Sharks took zero risk, got an asset (1st) and eventual cap relief, all of which does not impact their rebuild. And they get to move on. And maybe trade one or two of those players for assets down the line.

The Habs gets assets, which they will turn into more assets between now and the trade deadline, allowing them to continue their rebuild at a faster pace. And they offload the Hoffman and Pitlick contracts, opening up a forward spot(s) for prospects.

The Pens take on a massive risk. Karlsson will likely not be the 100+ point player, but he should be close to 65-70 points. Big questions: does he plays the whole year, can the other older Pens can stay healthy (as a group), and how their own-zone defence is looking fairly weak. But I guess when your star core players are close to aging out, all you have left is to take risks... but $10M for 4 more years is one massive risk on a team that might not even make the playoffs.

In the end: Sharks did OK (and probably what they needed to do). Habs did well (and likely better, when all is said and done). And the Pens only win if a miracle happens and they manage to go deep into the playoffs - otherwise this is a massive loss for them (so likely a massive loss).

Granny is a washed up bum Everyone knew it and you got him Good luck with him He does nothing to help the offense Thanks for taking him off the hands of Pittsburgh

The Sharks took zero risk, got an asset (1st) and eventual cap relief, all of which does not impact their rebuild. And they get to move on. And maybe trade one or two of those players for assets down the line.

The Habs gets assets, which they will turn into more assets between now and the trade deadline, allowing them to continue their rebuild at a faster pace. And they offload the Hoffman and Pitlick contracts, opening up a forward spot(s) for prospects.

The Pens take on a massive risk. Karlsson will likely not be the 100+ point player, but he should be close to 65-70 points. Big questions: does he plays the whole year, can the other older Pens can stay healthy (as a group), and how their own-zone defence is looking fairly weak. But I guess when your star core players are close to aging out, all you have left is to take risks... but $10M for 4 more years is one massive risk on a team that might not even make the playoffs.

In the end: Sharks did OK (and probably what they needed to do). Habs did well (and likely better, when all is said and done). And the Pens only win if a miracle happens and they manage to go deep into the playoffs - otherwise this is a massive loss for them (so likely a massive loss).
- Mashadar

Granlund is toast. The Pens defense is fine. The signing of Graves helped on that regard. In addition the team defense got much better with Acciari and Nieto. Letang and Karlsson will spend a good portion of time in the O zone. They are good at pushing and controlling play. The Pens should easily be a playoff team. A pick at 20 or later for the Sharks is a massive fail

Granlund is toast. The Pens defense is fine. The signing of Graves helped on that regard. In addition the team defense got much better with Acciari and Nieto. Letang and Karlsson will spend a good portion of time in the O zone. They are good at pushing and controlling play. The Pens should easily be a playoff team. A pick at 20 or later for the Sharks is a massive fail
- PittsPens

The Pens will not make the playoffs.

It was a rare deal where it really benefitted all teams involved.

San Jose - got a pick back and had no serious salary implications beyond a few years when Ruuta/Hoffman's deals expire. Allows them to properly finish off their rebuild.

Pittsburgh - got the best player in the deal, dumped their worst contracts, and only lost a 1st and 2nd pick.

Montreal - picked up another pick to take Petry. If they retain money on Petry, they could easily trade him and get something for him.

It's easy to see why it took weeks to put together.

The Sharks took zero risk, got an asset (1st) and eventual cap relief, all of which does not impact their rebuild. And they get to move on. And maybe trade one or two of those players for assets down the line.

The Habs gets assets, which they will turn into more assets between now and the trade deadline, allowing them to continue their rebuild at a faster pace. And they offload the Hoffman and Pitlick contracts, opening up a forward spot(s) for prospects.

The Pens take on a massive risk. Karlsson will likely not be the 100+ point player, but he should be close to 65-70 points. Big questions: does he plays the whole year, can the other older Pens can stay healthy (as a group), and how their own-zone defence is looking fairly weak. But I guess when your star core players are close to aging out, all you have left is to take risks... but $10M for 4 more years is one massive risk on a team that might not even make the playoffs.

In the end: Sharks did OK (and probably what they needed to do). Habs did well (and likely better, when all is said and done). And the Pens only win if a miracle happens and they manage to go deep into the playoffs - otherwise this is a massive loss for them (so likely a massive loss).
- Mashadar

It isnt a massive loss for the Penguins. If they miss the playoffs, yes, that could mean they surrender a valuable pick in the 11-16 range. That'd suck.

If you ask any Penguin fans, we dont have the expectation to make a deep run or anything. We want to give Malkin/Crosby/Letang some more ammo and get back to the old ways of the Penguins. The expectation is to make the playoffs and win a series. That's it. If they enter the playoffs healthy and Jarry is playing at a good level, anything can happen.

This trade was just as much about dumping Hextall's old mistakes as it was getting Karlsson.

The Pens will not make the playoffs.
- Mashadar

Penguins are the 3rd best team in the Metro. I feel good about them making the playoffs.

Penguins are the 3rd best team in the Metro. I feel good about them making the playoffs.
- SuperHenderson13

Did you jump past both NY teams? They both have superior goaltending. Passing the Islanders is certainly possible but can't see how you are better than the Rangers.

Did you jump past both NY teams? They both have superior goaltending. Passing the Islanders is certainly possible but can't see how you are better than the Rangers.
- Queenie_5_hole

Yes, I believe we are better than both NY teams. The Islanders dont impress me, but they will be a sneaky team like normal. The Rangers just dont do it for me. We took them to game 7 OT with a 3rd string goalie and missing Sid for part of the series.

Obviously we didnt make the playoffs last year, but I dont think the Rangers have gotten better from that 2021 playoff series while I think the Penguins are a better team now.

It all comes down to health, but when healthy, Im taking the Pens over the Islanders and Rangers.

Yes, I believe we are better than both NY teams. The Islanders dont impress me, but they will be a sneaky team like normal. The Rangers just dont do it for me. We took them to game 7 OT with a 3rd string goalie and missing Sid for part of the series.

Obviously we didnt make the playoffs last year, but I dont think the Rangers have gotten better from that 2021 playoff series while I think the Penguins are a better team now.

It all comes down to health, but when healthy, Im taking the Pens over the Islanders and Rangers.
- SuperHenderson13

Health is a big consideration and as one of the oldest teams in the league the odds wouldn't seem to be in the Penguins favor. But age is just one factor and injuries can happen to anyone. Pittsburgh has a lot of skill and certainly anything can happen. Nothing wrong with optimism and thing can change a lot year over year.

So good luck and we'll see how this plays out!

Adding Karlsson and Graves, plus Ty Smith no longer stupidly blocked by waivers, and I'd say the blue line is arguably the biggest strength of the Penguins for once.

Will that put them past the Islanders who did nothing? Why not. Rangers? I'm less certain. Beat out younger teams? Maybe. Catch anyone? History says some teams will falter unexpectedly.

How I'd see it is before the Karlsson deal, the Pens had little chance to get in. Now? They're in the mix. And if they aren't selling off their vets because they want Sid, Malkin, and Letang to retire as Pens, they need to be at least that.

Defense and top six look strong. Bottom six might be improved from last year, but it's still weak. Goaltending is the big question as Jarry looks great at times, but also is hurt often and struggles coming back from injury.

Injuries could easily derail them because there are a ton of red flags and at least at forward nothing in the way of depth. Would have liked a stronger backup goalie as well as a failsafe. But we'll see what happens. At least it's exciting even if most of us have no Cup dreams.

Adding Karlsson and Graves, plus Ty Smith no longer stupidly blocked by waivers, and I'd say the blue line is arguably the biggest strength of the Penguins for once.

Will that put them past the Islanders who did nothing? Why not. Rangers? I'm less certain. Beat out younger teams? Maybe. Catch anyone? History says some teams will falter unexpectedly.

How I'd see it is before the Karlsson deal, the Pens had little chance to get in. Now? They're in the mix. And if they aren't selling off their vets because they want Sid, Malkin, and Letang to retire as Pens, they need to be at least that.

Defense and top six look strong. Bottom six might be improved from last year, but it's still weak. Goaltending is the big question as Jarry looks great at times, but also is hurt often and struggles coming back from injury.

Injuries could easily derail them because there are a ton of red flags and at least at forward nothing in the way of depth. Would have liked a stronger backup goalie as well as a failsafe. But we'll see what happens. At least it's exciting even if most of us have no Cup dreams.
- Tojo.

All of this. I don't know a single reason able Pens than that sees a cup on the horizon. What I do see, is an excited fan base with an eye on an entertaining and exciting brand of hockey this season. The Pens did not give up anything other than future draft picks. Whether or not those picks pan out to be productive NHLers will determine the success or failure of tne trade. Mid to late round 1st picks are far from guarantees.

Kinda feel like SJ got kibbles and bits for Burns, EK, Meier, but I could be wrong.

Kinda feel like SJ got kibbles and bits for Burns, EK, Meier, but I could be wrong.
- MartysBetter88

Kinda...

I hate that they retained salary and didn't even get a 2nd round pick for Burns. That trade just seems like an epic fail.

I've warmed up to the Meier trade, a bit, but I'd feel much better about it if that 2024 pick was a guaranteed 1st round pick. Given it's contingent on the Devils getting past the 2nd round of the playoffs is a tough one.

The Karlsson pick I feel pretty good about mainly because of the issue of his contract. 11.5 for what, 4 more years, with his injury history, that made him a really tough sell.

Granlund is toast. The Pens defense is fine. The signing of Graves helped on that regard. In addition the team defense got much better with Acciari and Nieto. Letang and Karlsson will spend a good portion of time in the O zone. They are good at pushing and controlling play. The Pens should easily be a playoff team. A pick at 20 or later for the Sharks is a massive fail
- PittsPens

The Pens will easily be a playoff team? What? They missed the playoffs last year with everyone healthy. What are the chances of that happening again.

Penguins are the 3rd best team in the Metro. I feel good about them making the playoffs.
- SuperHenderson13

3rd best team in the Metro? Keep on drinking that black and gold Koolaid!!

Monday @ 8:26 PM ET
Kinda feel like SJ got kibbles and bits for Burns, EK, Meier, but I could be wrong.
- MartysBetter88


Kinda...

I hate that they retained salary and didn't even get a 2nd round pick for Burns. That trade just seems like an epic fail.

I've warmed up to the Meier trade, a bit, but I'd feel much better about it if that 2024 pick was a guaranteed 1st round pick. Given it's contingent on the Devils getting past the 2nd round of the playoffs is a tough one.

The Karlsson pick I feel pretty good about mainly because of the issue of his contract. 11.5 for what, 4 more years, with his injury history, that made him a really tough sell.

Part of the Meier Trade ended up being Quentin Musty a 18 year old power forward, Sure they gave up Meier, But he got a huge contract with NJ & the Sharks were in a bind, Hertl's contract was not a good extension. Musty is 8 years younger then Meier & costs less. The Sharks will have 3(If NJ goes far in the Playoff's) 1st round picks & hopefully they get another top 5 pick next year. Give Grier time