The Daily: Karlsson Coming to Atlantic?; McKenna’s Lure

There’s been no indication that the Detroit Red Wings have any interest in Pittsburgh defenseman Erik Karlsson, but that doesn’t mean he won’t have any impact on their playoff hopes.

Sportsnet.ca’s recent story about possible landing spots for Karlsson showed there’s interest from other Atlantic Division teams. The story, by Sonny Sachdeva, list teams that could end up with Karlsson and three of those teams (Tampa Bay, Ottawa and Toronto) are in the Atlantic Division.

The latest on Pittsburgh’s Erik Karlsson, Bryan Rust, and Rickard Rakell, and potential trade targets for the Penguins in today’s #NHL Rumor Mill. https://t.co/UUClcBx25s

— Spector's Hockey (@SpectorsHockey) July 25, 2025

The Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes are other two teams. The Hurricanes, with right-shot D Man Brent Burns now in Colorado, seem to have the most interest in the right-shot Karlsson.

The largest impediment to any team trading for Karlsson, 35, is his $10 million salary. He has two seasons remaining on the deal. How much of that salary, if any, would the Penguins be willing to retain?

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Ex-Red Wings forward Jakub Vrana still hopes for another NHL shot.

Daniel Sprong will be Detroit draft pick Dmitri Buchelnikov’s teammate on CSKA Moscow in 2025-26.

Some players are in the NHL trade market and the Red Wings do have assets to trade.

Red Wings Extra

The offseason is moving by quickly. Detroit’s Red and White game, played this season at Grand Rapids Van Andel Arena, is only 58 days away.  It is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sept. 21.  The Red Wings’ first preseason game is two days later against the Chicago Blackhawks at Little Caesars Arena.

Hockey Now Network

Colorado: Aarif Deen writes that too many hopeful NHL teams has frozen the NHL trade market. Colorado Avalanche. 

New Jersey: The Devils signed two-way forward Thomas Bordeleau to a one-year, two-way contract. New Jersey Devils. sm

Pittsburgh: Analyzing the deeper Pittsburgh prospect pool and what it means for the rebuild progress. Pittsburgh Penguins. 

San Jose: Given the Sharks’ potential to be a lottery team again in 2025-26, SJHN looks at why Gavin McKenna is a special prospect. San Jose Sharks.