That’s the first Karlsson trade I’ve seen from a Pens fan that isn’t bad for SJ.

Too many thinking SJ would take on both Petry and Granlund's contracts. No chance.

Petry would fill a need on a weak blueline on SJ, but I don't think he'd agree to go there

Granlund doesn't do anything for SJ down the middle

Petterson becomes the obvious contract to move, and PIT would be selling high on him. As much as he was great last year you can't get a guy like Karlsson without giving up something you like

Giving up prime draft picks and young prospects is not the best idea considering the age of the foundational players on this roster.

They have 2 maybe 3 years to make a run tops. No matter what happens they are going to be god awful after that. Losing 3 picks over three years is not the end of the world. Poulin as a prospect is a work in progress and could likely benefit from a change of scenery. Smith doesn't have a place in the Pens lineup at the moment, so better to move him on for something that can be used now

If PIT trades 1sts, 2nds and prospects to get EK65, the cupboards will be empty in 2-3 years when Sid and Malkins deals are up and this team will plummet from the sky without many gems left in the system

They know that. That's the whole point. Load up now for one last dance. When you're in win-now mode for 17 years there's nothing in the cupboard. Might as well be god awful for a few years and cash in on some high picks. Last time it worked out pretty great

I'd much rather keep Pettersson, not get EK and pay to move Rutta/Granlund and one of the backup goalies. That opens the space to add to the third line. The top 4 you have listed is not great. Karlsson plays 0 defense, letang plays only slightly more.

The point of this was just to illustrate how it could potentially work since its being rumoured. Petterson is a fine player, but given the scenario, he's the most likely guy to go out. I'm not sure there's much potential for Granlund to be moved tbh. And Ruuta's a decent d-man on a decent contract. Pens fans seem to be pretty down on him, but that never made sense to me. He was perfectly serviceable for them. Key is to limit his minutes. Move him out and who comes into the d corps? Will Butcher???

Defensively, they take a hit for sure. But at least it would be entertaining to watch!

I don't disagree with you on Rutta, I do think he's serviceable and a well suited player, but his role is 3rd pair.

Team would be much better to focus on bottom six additions as they stand currently imo. I also do believe you can move Granlund, it will just cost.