Erik Karlsson’s future with the Pittsburgh Penguins beyond this upcoming season is uncertain, and as a result, some are already speculating and predicting what’s to come for the three-time Norris Trophy winner.

Nobody thought the Penguins would make the playoffs in 2025-26, and the feeling is quite similar heading into 2026-27. Because of that, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman had a source make a prediction about what happens with Karlsson this season: he gets traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Friedman said during the latest episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast:

“So one guy said to me, he says, ‘I have a 2026-27 prediction for you,’ and I said, ‘Okay, what is it?’ And he goes, ‘Depending on how both teams’ seasons go, my prediction is Erik Karlsson becomes a Toronto Maple Leaf.’ I was like, ‘Whoa, that’s a good one.’ I was like, ‘Woo, that’s a good prediction.’ … He said, ‘Look, if it comes to the point where he’s on the market,’ he said, ‘Mats Sundin, Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Toronto,”

The 36-year-old Karlsson is about to enter the eighth and final year of the eight-year, $92 million contract extension he originally signed with the San Jose Sharks in 2019. He racked up 66 points (15 goals, 51 assists) in 75 games played last season.

While Karlsson going to Toronto is very intriguing, it will all depend on how things are going in Pittsburgh, where they rely almost entirely on him to produce offense from the blue line.

John Chayka has not been shy about making a splash and reshaping the roster to his liking upon taking over as GM. That being said, he did just pay Darren Raddysh, a right-shot defenseman, $8.5 million to presumably quarterback the power play and carry the load offensively, so it is fair to question Karlsson’s potential fit on the Maple Leafs.

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