The latest NHL rumor mill centers on a possible Carolina Hurricanes push for Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson, while Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin insists there is no rush with Quinn Hughes. Elsewhere, former NHL blueliner Erik Johnson voiced his frustration with the rising tide of trade requests, and the Toronto Maple Leafs continue their search for defensive help that opposing teams are reluctant to provide.
Hurricanes Could Be in on Erik Karlsson
With the March 1 trade deadline approaching, the Pittsburgh Penguins are widely expected to shift into sell mode, and Erik Karlsson could rank among their most valuable assets. The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reports that if Pittsburgh decides to move the veteran defenseman, the Carolina Hurricanes should be viewed as the early favorites to land him.
LeBrun suggests Carolina may rekindle interest it previously showed in John Carlson. He writes:
“And I strongly believe the Hurricanes will come calling again on Karlsson once the Penguins decide it’s time to formally open up his trade market, which I suspect won’t be until the new year.”
source – ‘NHL rumblings: Karlsson to Hurricanes? Quenneville’s future, Michkov interest, Tanev’s plan, more’ – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – 11-13-2026
Karlsson entered the weekend atop Pittsburgh’s scoring chart with 19 points in 19 games. Any potential move, however, rests with him, as his full no-movement clause gives him final approval. Penguins GM Kyle Dubas has stressed that the club will honor its veterans’ no-trade and no-move clauses and collaborate with players only when both sides agree a deal makes sense.
Erik Johnson Takes Aim at Growing NHL Trade Requests
Former Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson made little effort to hide his disapproval of the increasing number of players seeking trades before their deals expire. Speaking on ESPN’s Thursday night broadcast, Johnson pointed specifically to Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin while criticizing players who want out of situations they once signed up for.
“I can’t stand these guys halfway through their contracts … bailing ship and wanting to go for greener pastures.”
Johnson also revisited Matt Duchene’s drawn-out trade saga in Colorado. After Duchene asked to be moved in 2016, he recalled how the Avalanche’s core leadership, including Gabriel Landeskog and Nathan MacKinnon, approached Joe Sakic with a simple message: “Get him outta here.”
He noted that Larkin’s request is just one of many, but stressed that he doesn’t care for where the trend is heading.
Wild’s Bill Guerin Isn’t Rushing Quinn Hughes
Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin continues to maintain that there is neither urgency nor friction in contract talks with Quinn Hughes. Although fans are eager for signs of an extension, Guerin explained that the two sides are not locked in daily negotiations or trading barbs over contractual specifics.
“I think everyone imagines we’re having these intense negotiations every single day,” Guerin said. “We don’t talk about it, really. I think because I’ve been in that spot before, I understand it maybe a little more, it’s not personal. It’s a life decision that he has to make and it’s his decision. I get it.”
Guerin further suggested the Wild are not necessarily gearing up to trade the star defenseman if no extension is signed. Asked whether he could keep Hughes past the trade deadline without a new deal in place, Guerin said that is his stance for now, while acknowledging the situation could shift over the coming months.
Teams Aren’t Looking to Help the Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Chayka remains intent on upgrading the blue line. The Leafs are specifically targeting a top-four defenseman capable of remaining part of the team’s core beyond this season. Landing the right fit won’t be simple in November, though, as clubs show little appetite for helping Toronto escape its tagging cap predicament.
David Pagnotta has also flagged Dakota Joshua and Miles Wood as potential trade chips. Shedding players with term left on their deals could give Toronto the flexibility it needs to bring in a larger defensive piece. Even so, any team willing to untangle the Leafs’ salary-cap issues for next season will likely demand a premium in return.
