Erik Karlsson is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenseman. He plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL as of Jan 2025. He made his Elitserien debut for Frölunda HC on March 1, 2008, in a sold-out game against HV71. He scored the game-winning goal in overtime during a power play, securing a playoff spot for Frölunda with three games remaining in the season.
He also played for Frölunda's J20 team, helping them win the Swedish Junior Ice Hockey Championship and claim the Anton Cup against Brynäs IF's J20 team. Ahead of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Karlsson was ranked fourth among European skaters by the NHL's Central Scouting Service. He was selected 15th overall by the Ottawa Senators after the team traded up to secure his pick. Shortly after, Frölunda announced Karlsson as a regular player on their senior team roster for the 2008–09 season.
What team does Erik Karlsson play for?
According to the NHL website, Erik Karlsson plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins, as of Jan 2025. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a three-team deal involving the Montreal Canadiens and San Jose Sharks in August 2023. Pittsburgh received Karlsson, Rem Pitlick, Dillon Hamaliuk, and a 2026 third-round pick. In return, Pittsburgh sent a 2024 first-round pick, Mikael Granlund, and Jan Rutta to San Jose, while Montreal traded Mike Hoffman to San Jose. He made his 1,000th NHL game appearance with the Penguins on April 13, 2024.
Erik Karlsson Previous Teams
According to the NHL website, Erik Karlsson previously played for the Ottawa Senators, and San Jose Sharks before joining the Pittsburgh Penguins.
San Jose Sharks (2018-2013)
According to the NHL website, Karlsson joined the Sharks in 2018 through a trade with the Senators. In his first season, he helped the team reach the Western Conference Final, finishing with 16 points in 19 playoff games. Despite dealing with injuries early in his Sharks career, Karlsson scored 101 points and earning his third Norris Trophy in the 2022-23 season. His performance made him the sixth defenseman in NHL history to record 100 points in a season. He played for the Sharks until August 2023, when he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Ottawa Senators (2009-2018)
According to Senators, Erik Karlsson was drafted 15th overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2008 NHL Draft. He debuted in the 2009-10 season and quickly established himself as a top defenseman, winning his first Norris Trophy in 2011-12 after recording 78 points. He claimed his second Norris Trophy in 2014-15 and had several standout seasons, including an 82-point campaign in 2015-16. Karlsson led the Senators to the 2017 Eastern Conference Final, where they lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 7 double overtime.
Read More: Erik Karlsson Stanley Cup Wins
FAQs on Erik Karlsson
A. No, Erik Karlsson has not won any Stanley Cup yet.
A. Yes, Erik Karlsson has won three Norris Trophies as the NHL's best defenseman.
A. Erik Karlsson has played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks, and Ottawa Senators.
A. Erik Karlsson won a silver medal (second place) at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
A. Erik Karlsson won a silver medal (second place) at the 2009 World Junior Championships in Ottawa.
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