Erik Karlsson still likes it in Pittsburgh. And he still sees his station as a defenseman with the Pittsburgh Penguins as providing a viable route to a Stanley Cup championship. But certainly not this season.

On one end of the spectrum is Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell. He scored two goals, including a wonderful individual charge off the opening faceoff of the third period to tie the game. On the other end of the spectrum is Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson.

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ playoff hopes have been dashed. A few bad losses in the last three games have effectively taken away hope for another furious charge to the end. Now, players are fighting for jobs both with the Penguins and to be seen by others around the league while the NHL trade rumor chatter swirls

The Pittsburgh Penguins might find it hard to trade star defenseman Erik Karlsson but there could be a perfect suitor waiting in the wings. Sporstnet's Elliotte Friedman came up with a "theory" and speculated that Karlsson could be an ideal fit for the Stars during Monday's episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast,

Mikko Rantanen could be on the move again if Carolina cannot sign the 2022 Stanley Cup champion, now in his prime, to an extension. Brock Nelson, Erik Karlsson and brothers

Pittsburgh Penguins defensemen Ryan Shea and Erik Karlsson have each recently recorded two-goal games. During a 5-3 home loss to the New York Rangers on Feb. 23, Shea scored a pair of goals in the third period (which were his first two goals of the season).

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson seems to have no urgency when it comes to waiving his no-movement clause. “I have full say on whether anything happens or not,” Karlsson said when asked about that notion Sunday.

A lot of things about the Pittsburgh sports scene didn’t exactly go over great with the audience this week. The high NFLPA grades for Mike Tomlin continue to generate angry dialogue. So do Erik Karlsson’s mishaps and Penguins trade rumors.

Trade Deadline Fallout: Rangers, Senators, Predators, Canucks, Blackhawks, Islanders, and Oilers The Penguins may also try to shed the contracts of goaltender Tristan Jarry and defenseman Ryan Graves. If they moved all three, that is almost 20 percent of the cap.

Erik Karlsson is in his second season with the Penguins. How is it going? Let’s say he, uh… In fact, let’s say we expected more from him in Pittsburgh when Kyle Dubas went to get him from San Jose.