NHL analyst makes bold claim about Penguins' Stanley Cup chances after Erik Karlsson trade

By Arnab Mondal

Modified Aug 09, 2023 11:45 GMT

In the wake of the Erik Karlsson trade, NHL analyst Mike Grinnell did not hold back when assessing the Pittsburgh Penguins Stanley Cup prospects.

Speaking on the "Spittin' Chiclets" podcast, Grinnell said:

"It doesn't make sense to me and I've said it for months now because these rumors have been lingering. They have a Walmart version of Erik Karlsson already in Kris Letang and not to take anything away from Letang but neither him or Karlsson are great defenders. That's not what this team needed."

While acknowledging the improvements made and the shedding of burdensome contracts, Grinnell was blunt on the team's readiness for a championship push:

"Are they built for a Cup run? Absolutely not."

The analyst further emphasized the absence of a gritty edge in the team's roster, noting the lack of players with a mean and formidable presence, like Radko Gudas. Grinnell's notion of "dogs" on the team alluded to a need for robust and unyielding players who can stand up to formidable adversaries.

While acknowledging the Penguins' enhanced roster compared to months ago, Grinnell's concerns are resolute. He contended that the team's composition falls short when measured against potential Cup contenders like Vegas and last year's Florida Panthers.

In wrapping up his candid assessment, Grinnell pointed to what he perceived as the team's shortfall in the bottom six and across all six defensemen, ultimately leading to his assertion that they are not primed for a Stanley Cup run.

As the upcoming season unfolds, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on Pittsburgh as they seek to disprove Grinnell's claims.

Can the Penguins harness the potential of Erik Karlsson?

General Manager Kyle Dubas orchestrated an impressive trade, bringing in the three-time Norris Trophy winner while shedding past errors. The success of this move hinges on strategic integration, particularly with stalwarts Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang.

Managing Karlsson's injury history and aligning his strengths with the team's core players will be pivotal. As the youngest among them, his availability is crucial. The synergy between Karlsson and Letang could be a game-changer, but finding their optimal roles requires balancing offensive prowess and defensive stability.

Penguins' coach Mike Sullivan must navigate Erik Karlsson's risk-taking tendencies, while Crosby's leadership might mitigate the defensive lapses. Juggling egos and styles behind the scenes is essential

Despite obstacles, this experiment is vital to capitalize on Erik Karlsson's elite skillset during the twilight of the Crosby-Malkin-Letang era. A careful blend of strategy and adaptability is key to unlocking Karlsson's potential, aiming to propel the Penguins back into championship contention.