Pittsburgh Penguins acquire NHL's top defenseman Erik Karlsson in 3-team trade with San Jose Sharks and Montreal Canadiens

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Feb. 14, 2023. The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired Karlsson in a blockbuster trade with the Sharks. Pittsburgh traded a 2024 first-round pick, forward Mikael Granlund and defenseman Jan Rutta to San Jose and goaltender Casey DeSmith and defenseman Jeff Petry to Montreal as part of the deal for the reigning Norris Trophy winner. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

by: Chad Krispinsky

Posted: Aug 6, 2023 / 01:10 PM EDT

Updated: Aug 6, 2023 / 01:10 PM EDT

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (WKBN) – The Pittsburgh Penguins have officially acquired defenseman Erik Karlsson in a three-team trade with the San Jose Sharks and Montreal Canadiens on Sunday.

For his efforts with San Jose last season, Karlsson won the Norris Trophy as the best defenseman in the NHL. He was also a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award as most valuable player voted by the NHL Players’ Association.

The 33-year-old defenseman had 101 points (25 goals, 76 assists) in 82 games with the Sharks last season. The five-time All-Star is under contract for four more seasons.

In the trade, San Jose received forwards Mikael Granlund and Mike Hoffman as well as defenseman Jan Rutta and a conditional 2024 NHL First Round Draft pick.

Pittsburgh also received forward Rem Pitlick, forward prospect Dillon Hamaliuk and a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

Montreal received defenseman Jeff Petry, goalie Casey DeSmith, forward prospect Nathan Legare and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, all from Pittsburgh.