Overview
- Penguins GM Kyle Dubas told TSN on Tuesday he will not trade Erik Karlsson this summer.
- Dubas voiced frustration with the trade chatter and said Karlsson is part of a plan to add young players around the core.
- Karlsson has 54 points in 65 games at age 35, a surge Pierre LeBrun said has revived league interest in the veteran defenseman.
- His contract runs through next season with a $10 million cap hit, a $6 million signing bonus due July 1, and about $1.5 million in remaining salary before free agency in 2027.
- Pittsburgh is 35-19-16 and in playoff position after three straight misses, a context that makes keeping a top-producing blueliner more valuable than exploring a trade.