Can Erik Karlsson deliver another Stanley Cup to Pittsburgh? - ESPN

CRANBERRY, Pa. — Sidney Crosby couldn't believe what he was hearing.

He knew the Pittsburgh Penguins were going to do something dramatic in the offseason after missing the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in 16 seasons. The team's management, including new president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas, would occasionally let Crosby in on their plans during the summer, including potential trade targets. Which was only appropriate, given that any moves they made were in service of sliding a fourth Stanley Cup ring onto the captain's hand.

During one conversation with Crosby, the Penguins mentioned they were pursuing a rather intriguing name: San Jose Sharks star defenseman Erik Karlsson.

«I was just excited, you know? He's a special player,» Crosby told ESPN. «But you try to manage your expectations. I mean, it was far from happening. I think three teams that were in on it. I was hearing Carolina. I was hearing Seattle. So I didn't get my hopes up too much.»

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan was collaborating with Dubas on ways to reshape the team around Crosby. He didn't expect Karlsson to be an option.

«We felt we needed a legitimate top-four defenseman. We felt like that was a priority that we needed to address in order to put our team in a better position to contend,» he said. «I didn't envision acquiring the Norris Trophy winner. I didn't see that one coming. For me to sit here and say, 'Yeah, I expect to get a player like Erik Karlsson'… I'd be lying to you if I told you that.»

Crosby understood the obstacles in acquiring Karlsson. Could the Penguins outbid other suitors? Could they make the necessary financial moves to create the salary cap space for Karlsson's considerable contract: $11.5 million against the salary