Karlsson confirms talks with Canes, Kraken, Leafs, Penguins

Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson shed light on his possible landing spot.

The 33-year-old confirmed to Adam Johansson from Swedish outlet Expressen that he's spoken with the Carolina Hurricanes, Pittsburgh Penguins, Seattle Kraken, and Toronto Maple Leafs, among other teams.

Karlsson, who's seeking a trade from the San Jose Sharks, has already spoken about his interest in joining a contending team. He tallied a career-high 25 goals and 101 points in 82 games during a resurgent campaign last season. Karlsson also led the Sharks in scoring and captured his third Norris Trophy.

The Hurricanes, Kraken, Maple Leafs, and Penguins have been the primary teams reportedly interested in Karlsson. The Athletic's Rob Rossi reported in July that Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang endorsed Kyle Dubas' pursuit of Karlsson.

"I just want the best chance to get to the best team," Karlsson said, according to TSN's translation of his interview in Swedish.

Complicating a trade is Karlsson's massive $11.5-million cap hit, full no-move clause, and four years remaining on his contract.

Only the Anaheim Ducks and Chicago Blackhawks could bring in Karlsson's full salary without a subsequent move to clear cap space, according to CapFriendly's projections. Of the teams Karlsson confirmed he's spoken with, the Hurricanes have the most room to work with at just $2.5 million.

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