"That was always going to be here": Erik Karlsson addresses trade rumors amid Penguins’ rebuilding

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson has recently addressed the rumors related to his trade speculation, clarifying his opinion on his future and underlining one crucial factor that he wants to play for a contender for the organization.

The 34-year-old Swedish defenseman, who made his way to the Penguins last season in a major trade with the San Jose Sharks, has become the center of ongoing rumors this summer as Pittsburgh considers its future.With the Penguins missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the third year in a row, the new president of hockey operations, Kyle Dubas, has made it clear that the team is looking at all options, including a potential roster overhaul.

As they are looking for potential, Karlsson’s name has come up in these discussions, given that he’s one of the team’s most valuable assets. Meanwhile, Erik Karlsson has addressed the trade rumors with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Let’s take a closer look at his statement.

Erik Karlsson addresses the rumors related to his trade speculation

NHL’s Erik Karlsson addressed the rumors related to his trade speculations, as the Pittsburgh Penguins are rebuilding their team for this season. Karlsson, who arrived in Pittsburgh just a year ago via a blockbuster trade with San Jose, has been widely seen as a possible trade chip as the Penguins transition into a rebuild.

At 34, with three Norris Trophies and over a decade of NHL experience, his championship aspirations don’t fully align with the Penguins’ current state.

Addressing the rumors that have been swirling in, he stated, "No, I'm not. It was a quiet summer for me. Didn't really hear much other than what I read from you guys and all the other people around the League, which is typical for the offseason.”

He further added, "I know I’m in the position I’m in, but on my end, it was a very quiet and relaxing summer.

I was focused on the things I wanted to accomplish this summer, the mindset I wanted to have this season. That was always going to be here.”As per reports, the 35-year-old has two years left on the eight-year, $92 million contract he signed with the Sharks back in 2019. Pittsburgh pays him $10 million per season, while San Jose is still retaining $1.5 million stemming from the trade in 2023.

Erik Karlsson’s career stats in the NHL

According to the NHL, Karlsson was traded to Pittsburgh by San Jose with Dillon Hamaliuk and a 3rd-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft for Mikael Granlund, Mike Hoffman, Jan Ruuta, and a 1st-round pick in 2024, August 6, 2023.Also read: Buffalo Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin shares traumatic experience about fiancée’s heart transplant | NHL News - The Times of IndiaHe earned a total of 56 points (11 goals, 45 assists), leading defensemen in 2023-24. He became the eighth-fastest at his position with 600 NHL assists on December 30, 2023, ninth-fastest to 800 points (973rd game), and was the 129th to skate 1,000 games when Pittsburgh lost 6-4 to the Boston Bruins at PPG Paints Arena on April 13, 2024. He was named to Sweden's roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off during the 2024-25 season.