The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired three-time Norris Trophy winning defenseman Erik Karlsson in a three-team, nine-player/draft pick trade Sunday. The Penguins sent Mikael Granlund and Jan Ruuta to San Jose and Jeff Petry to Montreal as part of the deal, shedding the cap space necessary to handle the $11 million annual salary for Karlsson. They also sent goaltender Casey DeSmith to the Canadiens. As part of the deal, the Penguins acquired forward Rem Pitlick from Montreal, along with two prospects and a draft pick from the Sharks.
Karlsson is coming off a 25 goal, 76 assist season with San Jose. It was the most points for a defenseman since 1992.
The Penguins will begin the season without leading scorer Jake Guentzel, who underwent ankle surgery last week.