Here are the obstacles to trading Karlsson: • He has a no-movement clause. Though many assume he would be willing to move on if asked, he still has the power here. The team hasn’t played well during his time in Pittsburgh, but he seems to genuinely like playing for the Penguins.

On one end of the spectrum is Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell. He scored two goals, including a wonderful individual charge off the opening faceoff of the third period to tie the game.

As the Penguins continue to fade away in the Eastern Conference, general manager Kyle Dubas could be open to trading Erik Karlsson.

Karlsson says he hasn’t been asked to waive a full no-movement clause in his contract ahead of the March 7 deadline.

There has been a lot of trade speculation regarding Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson. And Sunday, he made a point to shut it down. According to a report by NHL Network's Kathryn Tappen - who spoke with Karlsson Sunday morning - the three-time Norris Trophy-winning defenseman has not been approached by Penguins' management about waiving his no-movement clause and is prepared to "take a stance" if approached.

Erik Karlsson still likes it in Pittsburgh. And he still sees his station as a defenseman with the Pittsburgh Penguins as providing a viable route to a Stanley Cup championship. But certainly not this season.