Acquiring Erik Karlsson Should Take Pressure Off Letang

While all of Pittsburgh remains in awe of how Kyle (aka Omar) Dubas was able to acquire Erik Karlsson and clear dead weight, it is important to contextualize how this move can benefit the Penguins, and especially Kris Letang. After Sergei Gonchar left the Penguins via free agency in the summer of 2010, Kris Letang has been the Penguins #1 defenseman. The Penguins depended on Kris Letang to run the power play, shut down the opposition’s #1 line, and play over 20 minutes per game every night for over a decade. During that time, the Penguins have been a perennial contender, and have achieved considerable success. Letang scored his career defining goal in Game 6 of the 2016 Stanley Cup finals, on his way to helping the Penguins win their 4th championship.

While Letang has had incredible success, he has flaws that manifest on occasion. He does not have elite instincts, nor is he a great passer or shooter. He is not a natural power play quarterback. In fact, he is often a lightning rod for criticism, some of it deservedly so, while other times simply a convenient scapegoat. Fans, including myself, have often noted that the Penguins won the 2017 Stanley Cup without Kris Letang for the entirety of the playoffs. Justin Schultz did a great job stepping up and handling the power play and top defenseman responsibilities. Since 2018, the Penguins have won only one playoff series. Obviously, Letang is not to blame for those playoff disappointments. However, the Penguins need to recognize Letang’s strengths and weaknesses, and adjust their plan accordingly.

Overall, Kris Letang’s strengths exceed his weaknesses. He is one of the greatest skaters in Penguins history and can cover more ice than most defenseman in the NHL. His ability to skate the puck out of his zone and start a rush on the other end of the ice separates him from nearly all other defensemen. Moreover, he has incredible endurance and can play two- and three-minute shifts without breaking a sweat. But, more importantly, the most overlooked part of his game is his physicality and ability to match other teams’ top lines. 

Ok…Letang has strengths and weaknesses, so what? 

Enter: Erik Karlsson.

Recently acquired Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson joins the Penguins as a highly decorated defenseman, and future hall of famer. However, he is a very one dimensional defenseman. Though he scored 101 points in 2022-2023, he was a -26 on the season. Hence, it is safe to say he leaves a lot to be desired defensively at even strength. This is the dilemma Mike Sullivan faces. How do you utilize Erik Karlsson effectively without compromising the defensive integrity of the team?

Enter: Kris Letang.

While Karlsson only had six more power play points in 2022-2023 than Kris Letang despite playing 18 more games, I think most Penguins fans can agree they would like Erik Karlsson to run the power play more than Kris Letang. I think we can also agree that we would prefer to see Kris Letang defend players like Alex Ovechkin, Nikita Kucherov, Auston Matthews, and other top players in the Eastern Conference.  The eye test clearly shows Letang is not a natural on the power play. Zone entries are often predictable, sloppy, and painful to watch. Karlsson, on the other hand, handles the power play much like Sergei Zubov did for the Penguins in 1996, and Sergei Gonchar did for the Penguins from 2006- 2010. Smooth, efficient, crisp passes, and accurate shooting.

Thus, Mike Sullivan needs to have Erik Karlsson log heavy power play minutes, but significantly limit his five-on-five defensive time. Conversely, Kris Letang needs to focus on five-on-five play. Hopefully, Letang will be fresh so he can use his speed, physicality, and transition game to help the Penguins overcome Karlsson’s deficiencies at even strength.

As a result, the Penguins first power play unit should be:

• Sidney Crosby on the right side down low
• Evgeni Malkin on the right half wall
• Erik Karlsson quarterbacking from the center point
• Rickard Rakell on the left half wall
• Jake Guentzel in front of the net when he returns (possibly Bryan Rust while Jake is out)

Using Letang in more of a defensive role, can take pressure off him by reducing his minutes. Also, it may create a chip on his shoulder, and motivate him to play at his highest possible level. Ultimately, the Penguins need Letang to be fresh in the playoffs so he can match up against the young superstars in the East. Will it happen? Doubtful. The Penguins will instead likely use Letang on the left half wall instead of Rakell. The power play will still be effective, but Letang will continue playing over 20 minutes. At some point, he will wear down, to the Penguins’ detriment.

Here’s hoping the Penguins consider limiting Letang’s power play ice time, and Karlsson’s even strength time to keep both fresh, healthy, and effective come playoff time.

Kudos to Kyle (Omar) Dubas for pulling off this trade. The Karlsson/Letang dynamic is a good problem to have. LETS GO PENS!!!!