Report: The ‘confident’ penguins Karlsson favors them commercially originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Editor’s note: Sheng Peng will be a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more about his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng
Does Erik Karlsson prefer to go to the Pittsburgh Penguins?
The “Penguins, who have had several talks with Erik Karlsson, are confident they are his preferred destination,” Athletic’s Rob Rossi wrote on Threads. “They have multiple plans for how to acquire him if/when the Sharks decide to make a move.”
For now, the Carolina Hurricanes would be the only other team in Karlsson’s derby.
Frank Seravalli, however, told Sportsnet 590 Toronto yesterday: “I understand a number of teams have spoken to Erik Karlsson directly.”
He didn’t mention any other specific team apart from the Canes.
The San Jose Sharks star, who has four years left on his $11.5 million AAV contract, is also armed with a no-move clause. But that doesn’t mean Pittsburgh is the only place he’ll go.
The reigning Norris Trophy winner said the same at the NHL Awards in late June.
“I’m very open-minded. I don’t have a favorite destination, or I think this team is the best team. There are so many teams right now,” Karlsson said. “Like you just have to make the playoffs and you have a chance of winning.”
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