Is there a path for Erik Karlsson to join the Toronto Maple Leafs?

After last season's disaster, the Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be pulling out all the stops to become contenders once again.

The Leafs have already acquired a two-time Stanley Cup-winning goaltender and one of the league's top-scoring defencemen, and they may not be done.

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Leafs could have another big-name defenceman on their radar for the upcoming 2026-27 season: three-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson.

On the latest episode of Sportsnet's 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman predicted that Karlsson could end up in a Leafs jersey at some point this season.

"I have a 2026-27 prediction for you (depending on how both teams' seasons go): Erik Karlsson becomes a Toronto Maple Leaf," Friedman said on Monday's show.

Erik Karlsson ➡️ Toronto?

In a surprise edition of 32 Thoughts, @sportsnetkyle and @FriedgeHNIC break down the latest from around the league.

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"Even though Karlsson has a no-movement clause, [the source] said if it comes to a point where he's on the market: Mats Sundin, Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson — Toronto."

Karlsson is entering the final year of his eight-year, $92 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, carrying an $11.5 million annual cap hit.

If Pittsburgh finds itself out of the playoff picture and decides to sell at the trade deadline, Friedman believes Toronto could be his landing spot.

The move would certainly get the attention of Ottawa Senators fans, considering Karlsson spent nine seasons in Canada's capital before being traded to the San Jose Sharks during the 2018-19 season.

The 36-year-old also spent four seasons playing alongside Alfredsson in Ottawa. Alfredsson served as a mentor to the young Swedish defenceman, plus just happens to be a member of the Maple Leafs' coaching staff.

The biggest question, though, might be what it would cost Toronto.

If the Leafs pursue Karlsson, they would likely have to give up several draft picks for the 36-year-old, who would essentially be a short-term rental with his contract expiring after the season.

Of course, the trade deadline is still a long way away, and a lot can change between now and March.

But if things go sideways for Pittsburgh, Friedman wouldn't be surprised to see Toronto swoop in.