The Perfect Replacement for Erik Karlsson Emerges

The Pittsburgh Penguins remain one of the worst teams in the NHL coming out of the Four Nations break.

The team has lost both games since the regular season resumed and appear no where close to contending for the playoffs as we approach the trade deadline.

As a result, it seems highly likely that the team will be selling off players over the coming days and weeks.

One player that could be on the move is Erik Karlsson, who has been linked to the Dallas Stars by Elliotte Friedman.

If Kyle Dubas does end up shipping out Karlsson, be it to the Stars or any other team, that would leave a big hole on the right side of the Penguin's defense.

Perhaps this would lead him to filling that position with another star blueliner from the Chicago Blackhawks.

After all, Friedman is also reporting that Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones is looking for a trade away from the team.

That being said, Jones has a full no-move clause, and is reportedly looking to join a contender.

As a result, he would likely block any trade that sees him going to the Penguins, as they are barely and better than his current club.

However, if Kyle Dubas plays this right, he could get assets from the Blackhawks in exchange for retaining salary on Jones in a three-team trade.

Moving Karlsson would give the Penguins the cap space needed for such a move, and they still have one retention slot open this season.

Considering the fact that Jones has three more years left on his contract, Dubas could get a lot back for using that retention slot on a trade, potentially even a 1st round pick, or perhaps a second rounder and a prospect.