NHL All-Stars Claim Karlsson Will get Back to Norris Trophy Form

When the Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas got Erik Karlsson, the top player on the market last summer, from the San Jose Sharks, expectations were high on the defenseman.

With Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kristopher Letang aging, the GM wanted to take drastic measures to help the team leaders to win one last Stanley Cup.

Karlsson Struggles to Find his Rhythm With the Penguins

Unfortunately, it hasn't been all good for the former Norris Trophy winner this season.

In 46 games, Karlsson scored seven goals, 27 assists and as a +9 goal differential, which isn't bad for a 33 year-old in the NHL.

However, the Penguins' power play has been abysmal this season. Led mostly by Karlsson, they have only a 13.1% conversion rate, placing them at the NHL's 31st rank.

Even if Karlsson struggles, his former teammate and fellow Swede Rasmus Dahlin had good words for the defenseman.

NHL All-Stars Believe Karlsson Will Get Back on Track

In a round of interviews during the All-Star weekend, Tomas Hertl, the San Jose Sharks' representative and former teammate of Erik Karlsson was asked to talk about the defenseman's struggles.

Here's what he said:


Rasmus Dahlin also had good words for Karlsson, who he considers to be a major inspiration for him:


These comments do provide a lot of hope to Penguins fans. Karlsson has the talent to be a game-changer and if he finds the same rhythm as last season, it could change everything in this tight playoff race.

Do you think Karlsson will get back on track?

As seen on Post-Gazette - ‘He always will figure it out': Penguins' Karlsson remains highly regarded by All-Stars and former teammates