Toronto Maple Leafs Hit with Another Roadblock in Pursuit of Erik Karlsson
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Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson is someone who could be traded soon, and the Toronto Maple Leafs have found themselves implicated in the rumors.
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving would probably love to add an offensive defenseman to the roster.
With Morgan Rielly on a bit of a decline, the Maple Leafs are in a place where they need to add some offense to their blue line, and Erik Karlsson would be the perfect addition, even if he is a bit old.
Of course, Karlsson makes $10 million per season, which is another roadblock that would prevent the Maple Leafs from making a deal. Unfortunately, he Penguins don't believe the salary is of their concern.
Erik Karlsson trade rumors slashed by Chris Johnston
According to insider Chris Johnston, the Toronto Maple Leafs probably wouldn't be able to afford Karlsson at a salary cap level, unless they also get rid of Morgan Rielly.
Furthermore, it was revealed that the Penguins are not interested in retaining half of Karlsson's salary. While this would make it easier to move him, GM Kyle Dubas is putting his foot down.
They're not gonna retain half of that [salary] for anybody
This feels counterproductive especially when you consider how the Penguins won't get much for Karlsson if the entire salary is retained.
What is the point of trading a good player if you're not even going to get a huge return? This is something that Dubas is going to have to figure out.
There are other Penguins players who may want out very soon. Sidney Crosby could be one of them, as his final years in the NHL are being wasted on mediocrity.
That said, Brad Treliving can always kick tires and see what's possible. For now, however, the team's defensive core appears set in stone.
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