MAJOR: Erik Karlsson Demoted in Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Penguins are one of the most interesting teams to watch in the NHL right now. The team is clearly trying to keep their playoff contention window open as long as possible given they still have Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. New general manager Kyle Dubas made this clear when he acquired Erik Karlsson from the Sharks in the offseason.
Karlsson Taken Off Top Power Play Unit With Penguins
Karlsson has been very good at 5 on 5 so far this year, at least when it comes to putting up points. However, he has not been as successful on the powerplay. Just 4 of his 19 points have come on the man advantage as Pittsburgh's power play has struggled all-around this season. The Athletics' Rob Rossi reported today that head coach Mike Sullivan is trying out a different look with his powerplay units now.
Karlsson had taken over the point duties on the Penguins top unit from Kris Letang. Letang has instead been manning the second unit, although he has no points on the power play at all to show for his efforts.
Penguins fans have let out their frustration with their team's special teams on social media.
Karlsson has 19 points so far this season which puts him on pace for a little under 80 points. It is a far cry from the 101 point season he had last year, but most of that lack of production can be explained by the poor power play. Perhaps this shakeup can help get the team rolling.
As seen on Erik Karlsson receiving major demotion in Pittsburgh
| POLL | ||
DÉCEMBRE 3 | 79 ANSWERS MAJOR: Erik Karlsson Demoted in Pittsburgh Do you agree with this move by Mike Sullivan? | ||
| Yes | 48 | 60.8 % |
| No | 31 | 39.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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YESTERDAY
JUNE 2, 2026
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| G | A | PTS | ||
| Shea Theodore | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Brayden McNabb | - | 3 | 3 | |
| Nikolaj Ehlers | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Brett Howden | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Jalen Chatfield | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Ivan Barbashev | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Shayne Gostisbehere | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Tomas Hertl | 1 | - | 1 | |
| William Karlsson | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Jordan Staal | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Jack Eichel | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Mitch Marner | - | 1 | 1 | |
| K'Andre Miller | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Colton Sissons | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Jaccob Slavin | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Cole Smith | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Sebastian Aho | - | - | - | |
| Frederik Andersen | - | - | - | |
| Rasmus Andersson | - | - | - | |
| Jackson Blake | - | - | - | |
| COMPLETE STATS | ||||