Eastern Conference Rival Revealed as Likely Destination for Maple Leafs Trade Target

The Toronto Maple Leafs' hunt for veteran defenseman Erik Karlsson might be in peril with the Carolina Hurricanes being tabbed as the much likelier destinations, per recent reports from Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli.

With the Pittsburgh Penguins still looking to shed salary and contracts ahead of a rebuilding season, Karlsson remains one of their more coveted pieces, despite his high AAV of $10 million over the next 2 seasons.

The Swedish star does carry a no-movement clause, which allows him to choose his next destination, however there have been many teams in the Karlsson sweepstakes this summer, including the Maple Leafs who were believed to be a front runner at one point.

Seravalli just doesn't see it that way and believes that the Hurricanes stand the best chance in acquiring the 35-year-old. He sees it from the standpoint of them being a true contender, having the pieces to make a trade work, and being the right fit.

The Hurricanes also have $10.64 million in cap space remaining, meaning technically they could absorb his full contract. Comparatively, the Maple Leafs have $2.93 million in cap space and that number can change depending after Nicholas Robertson's arbitration hearing.

Salary is expected to be retained but the Penguins don't want to retain the full 50%, which favours the Hurricanes that much more. Carolina has also done a deal similarly in the past when they acquired Brent Burns from San Jose with 33% retention.

In terms of draft capital, Carolina has all of their picks in 2027 and 2028, which includes 2 picks in the 3rd and 5th rounds in 2027 and first round in 2028. They're a little barren in 2026 with a first rounder and 2 in the 6th round but they still have more to offer than Toronto.

The Maple Leafs can still find ways to alleviate cap space by finding new homes for David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok, however they might be better served to look elsewhere with Carolina being able to match any offer the Leafs could potentially throw Pittsburgh's way.