Elliote Friedman reported that the Edmonton Oilers were interested in Karlsson last season. The ask, though, was too high for the Oilers to go through with. Freidman reports that San Jose was asking for multiple first-round picks.
Yet, despite this, he didn't get the return that was expected when San Jose did trade him yesterday. They didn't get the multiple first-rounders they originally asked for and even had to retain some of his salary to make the trade work.
If Karlsson can put up similar numbers that he did last year, it is clear that this will be a win for new Penguins GM Kyle Dubas, cementing himself in a positive light with the fan base for winning his first blockbuster deal for the club.