Erik
Karlsson
D · PIT · Offensive · Elite
- PAL
- 93
- WAR
- 2.0
- Value
- 87
- PTS
- 66
2025-26№ 24 / 325
Erik Karlsson (Pittsburgh Penguins) stats and profile: offensive production, ice time, advanced stats, WAR and PAL rating.
Erik Karlsson
HEIGHT : 183 cm · WEIGHT : 84 kg · SHOOTS : R
Born : May 30, 1990 · Landsbro, Sweden
Drafted : 2008 · OTT · round 1, pick #15
Contract : $11,500,000 · 2019-20 → 2026-27 · Standard Contract (Extension) · UFA · Signing bonus $11,000,000NMC
NHL record
| Year | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 18 | 3 | 15 | 18 | 4 |
| 2025-26 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 75 | 15 | 51 | 66 | 22 |
| 2024-25 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 82 | 11 | 42 | 53 | 20 |
| 2023-24 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 82 | 11 | 45 | 56 | 44 |
| 2022-23 | San Jose Sharks | 82 | 25 | 76 | 101 | 36 |
| 2021-22 | San Jose Sharks | 50 | 10 | 25 | 35 | 14 |
| 2020-21 | San Jose Sharks | 52 | 8 | 14 | 22 | 18 |
| 2019-20 | San Jose Sharks | 56 | 6 | 34 | 40 | 16 |
| 2018-19 | San Jose Sharks | 53 | 3 | 42 | 45 | 22 |
| 2017-18 | Ottawa Senators | 71 | 9 | 53 | 62 | 36 |
| 2016-17 | Ottawa Senators | 77 | 17 | 54 | 71 | 28 |
| 2015-16 | Ottawa Senators | 82 | 16 | 66 | 82 | 50 |
| 2014-15 | Ottawa Senators | 82 | 21 | 45 | 66 | 42 |
| 2013-14 | Ottawa Senators | 82 | 20 | 54 | 74 | 36 |
| 2012-13 | Ottawa Senators | 17 | 6 | 8 | 14 | 8 |
| 2011-12 | Ottawa Senators | 81 | 19 | 59 | 78 | 42 |
| 2010-11 | Ottawa Senators | 75 | 13 | 32 | 45 | 50 |
| 2009-10 | Ottawa Senators | 60 | 5 | 21 | 26 | 24 |
| NHL totals | 1176 | 218 | 735 | 953 | 512 | |
Playoffs
| Year | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 10 |
| 2018-19 | San Jose Sharks | 19 | 2 | 14 | 16 | 8 |
| 2016-17 | Ottawa Senators | 19 | 2 | 16 | 18 | 10 |
| 2014-15 | Ottawa Senators | 6 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
| 2012-13 | Ottawa Senators | 10 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| 2011-12 | Ottawa Senators | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| 2009-10 | Ottawa Senators | 6 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Playoff totals | 73 | 9 | 47 | 56 | 44 | |
Honours
- 🏆 James Norris Memorial Trophy3 times · 2022-23, 2014-15, 2011-12
Erik Karlsson: our analysis
2025-26 season: 75 GP, 15 G, 51 A, 66 PTS, +8 +/-, 23:36 TOI. WAR 2.0 (24th of 325) · PAL 93, elite.
In 2025-26, Erik Karlsson, 36, posts a PAL Rating of 93 out of 100 (elite), and his WAR of 2.0 ranks 24th among 325 regulars, in the top quarter.
His strengths: power play (99, among the best in the league), offense (96, among the best in the league) and shooting (96, among the best in the league). On the other hand, defense (6, among the weakest in the league) holds him back.
Breaking down his WAR (goals above average), his biggest contribution: EV offense (+5.3); his biggest cost: EV defense (-4.4).
A clear step forward: his PAL went from 80 in 2024-25 to 93; his WAR went from 1.4 to 2.0.
Contract-wise, his Value score of 87 (very good contract) weighs his output against what he costs: 50 is what that salary should buy.
Erik Karlsson's story
Born 31 May 1990 in Landsbro, Erik Karlsson learned his trade in Sweden, rising through junior ranks before making a senior debut with Frölunda in March 2008 and scoring an overtime game-winner that clinched a playoff spot. He finished that season as part of Frölunda’s J20 squad that won the Swedish junior championship.
Selected 15th overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Karlsson spent his first nine NHL seasons with the club. After an early assignment to the AHL, he settled into Ottawa’s lineup, notching his first NHL goal on 19 December 2009 and appearing in all of the Senators’ 2010 playoff games. His offensive game developed quickly, and he became a key blue-liner for the team.
Karlsson’s Ottawa years featured high-scoring campaigns and individual accolades, including his first James Norris Trophy in 2012 and a second in 2015. He endured notable injuries, such as a lacerated Achilles tendon in February 2013, yet returned to help the Senators reach the 2017 conference final, playing through foot fractures during that playoff run. He served as Ottawa’s captain beginning in October 2014 and set multiple franchise marks for defencemen.
Traded to the San Jose Sharks in September 2018, Karlsson signed an eight-year, $92 million contract in June 2019. He battled through groin and thumb injuries but produced at an elite level in 2022–23, recording 101 points (25 goals, 76 assists) — the first 100-point season by a defenceman since 1991–92 — and capturing his third Norris Trophy that year, plus selection to the NHL First All-Star Team.
On the ice Karlsson is best known for his offensive instincts from the back end: a dynamic playmaker who drives possession, generates scoring chances, and logs heavy minutes. His game combines vision with puck-moving skill, making him a primary creator on power plays and in transition.
Facts drawn from Wikipédia, told in our own words.
Advanced stats
- TOI/GP
- 23:27
- PP TOI/GP
- 3:33
- SH TOI/GP
- 1:22
- Pts/GP
- 1.00
- EV points
- 11
- Hits
- 2
- Blocks
- 9
- Takeaways
- 4
- Corsi % (SAT)
- 49.6 %
- Off. zone starts
- 40.3 %
Stats and photos: NHL (NHL.com)
2026-27 projection
Projected points
69between 47 and 84 (80% range)
- Goals
- 14
- Assists
- 55
- Games
- 81
So far: 18 pts in 18 games. The team has played 18 of 84 games. Projected pace: 0.82 pts per game (last season: 0.88).
The projection follows last season's pace. Tested on 2,265 player seasons (2022-23 to 2025-26): average miss of 9 points over 82 games; for players at 0.9 points per game and up, it ran 5 points high on average.
Trend
Trending up
- Points per game: 0.68 in 23-24, 0.88 in 25-26
- PAL Rating: 80 → 93
Outlook, age included
↗ Slightly upAge 36: the age when production usually declines
This is only a projection. It knows nothing about injuries, trades or role changes; one player in five finishes outside the range.
Player ratings, 2025-26
All ratings →Fourteen ratings from 0 to 100 drawn from data, never by hand: 75 = established NHL player, 95+ = elite.
OV · OverallConfidence 88 %
81
Very good
- SK
- Skating
- 92
- Confidence 73 %
- ST
- Strength
- 51
- Confidence 90 %
- EN
- Endurance
- 90
- Confidence 80 %
- DU
- Durability
- 85
- Confidence 77 %
- CK
- Checking
- 53
- Confidence 90 %
- FG
- Fighting
- 52
- Confidence 67 %
- DI
- Discipline
- 85
- Confidence 90 %
- FO
- Faceoffs
- —
- PA
- Passing
- 91
- Confidence 88 %
- SC
- Scoring
- 90
- Confidence 88 %
- DF
- Defense
- 54
- Confidence 86 %
- PS
- Penalty shot
- 56
- Confidence 25 %
- EX
- Experience
- 95
- Confidence 100 %
Why these ratings?Hide details
SK — Skating92
- Top speed (35 %)37.3 · 96
- Bursts > 20 mph /60 (30 %)4.292 · 93
- Distance /60 (20 %)13.9 · 68
- Speed consistency (15 %)35.8 · 91
ST — Strength51
- Contact absorbed /60 (50 %)3.35 · 61
- Body mass (50 %)-0.96 · 59
EN — Endurance90
- Ice time per game (45 %)22.2 · 88
- Total ice time (20 %)1,702 · 85
- Shift length (15 %)54.5 · 92
- Lowest recent ice time per game (15 %)21.5 · 90
- Special-teams time per game (5 %)3.909 · 89
DU — Durability85
- Share of games played (100 %)0.873 · 85
CK — Checking53
- Hits /60 (70 %)1.243 · 49
- Lowest seasonal rate (20 %)1.177 · 57
- Season volume (10 %)3.045 · 62
FG — Fighting52
- Fights per 82 games (100 %)0.657 · 52
DI — Discipline85
- Net penalty value /60 (50 %)-0.012 · 85
- Penalties taken /60 (30 %)0.456 · 84
- Penalties drawn /60 (20 %)0.383 · 75
PA — Passing91
- Primary assists /60 (40 %)0.739 · 90
- Secondary assists /60 (20 %)0.839 · 92
- Offensive creation (RAPM) (20 %)0.227 · 92
- Power-play points /60 (10 %)5.257 · 89
- Assist consistency (10 %)0.512 · 89
SC — Scoring90
- Goals /60 (25 %)0.444 · 90
- Individual xG /60 (20 %)0.339 · 89
- Finishing (goals − xG per shot) (20 %)0.615 · 86
- High-danger chances /60 (15 %)0.138 · 79
- xG per shot (10 %)0.036 · 81
- Shot attempts /60 (10 %)15.6 · 93
DF — Defense54
- RAPM defense /60 (35 %)-0.177 · 45
- Relative xG against (20 %)0.164 · 62
- On-ice xG against /60 (15 %)2.761 · 64
- Penalty kill /60 (10 %)0.192 · 88
- Takeaways − giveaways /60 (10 %)-2.04 · 74
- Shot attempts against /60 (5 %)60.5 · 61
- Blocked shots /60 (5 %)2.956 · 46
PS — Penalty shot56
- Shootouts (60 %)29.8 · 53
- Penalty shots (40 %)26.7 · 76
EX — Experience95
- Career regular-season games (65 %)100
- Career playoff games (25 %)81
- NHL seasons (10 %)98
OV — Overall81
- DF · Defense (30 %)54
- PA · Passing (22 %)91
- SK · Skating (12 %)92
- SC · Scoring (12 %)90
- EN · Endurance (9 %)90
- ST · Strength (6 %)51
- DI · Discipline (5 %)85
- CK · Checking (4 %)53
| Season | OV | SK | SC | DF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 81 | 92 | 90 | 54 |
| 2024-25 | 74 | 91 | 89 | 41 |
| 2023-24 | 82 | 88 | 91 | 56 |
| 2022-23 | 88 | 88 | 96 | 53 |
The bars show confidence (sample size), not player quality. — : not enough data, not a zero. Engine version 1.0.
WAR and PAL ratings, 2025-26
How we rate →PAL Rating scores performance from 0 to 100 against players at the same position (50 = average player), starting from the player's strength, offensive or defensive. Value Rating compares that performance with what the player costs: 50 means paid what the play is worth.
WAR
2.0
wins above replacement
24 of 325
PAL Rating
93/ 100
Performance · Elite
16 of 250 at the position
Value Rating
87/ 100
Very good contract
11.50 M$ · expected PAL 76
ProfileOffensiveValue comes mostly from offense
- Offense
- 96
- Defense
- 30
See full detailsHide details
- Offense
- 96
- Creation
- 85
- Shooting
- 96
- Possession
- 71
- Defense
- 6
- Discipline
- 81
- Power play
- 99
- Penalty kill
- 85
From 0 to 100; 50 is the average player at the same position, adjusted for ice time.
| Season | Team | WAR | PAL | Value | Cap hit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | PIT | 2.0 | 93 | 87 | 11.50 M$ |
| 2024-25 | PIT | 1.4 | 80 | 40 | 11.50 M$ |
| 2023-24 | PIT | 1.3 | 90 | 70 | 11.50 M$ |
| 2022-23 | SJS | 3.3 | 97 | 90 | 11.50 M$ |
Hockey IQ, 2025-26
Rankings and method →The quality of the player's decisions with and against the puck at 5-on-5, against regulars at the same position (50 = average). PAL measures output; IQ measures how the player plays.
Overall IQ
92/ 100
Elite
better than 92% of defensemen, offense and defense combined
Offensive IQ
72/ 100
Very good
passing, shots, puck
Defensive IQ
96/ 100
Elite
takeaways, discipline, own zone
Overall IQ isn't an average of the two scores: it's the player's rank with offense and defense combined, 17 of 225 defensemen.
See full detailsHide details
Offense
- Playmaking passes
- 92
- Shot selection
- 74
- Penalties drawn
- 28
- Puck management
- 49
Defense
- Takeaways
- 91
- Discipline
- 75
- Safe zone exits
- 88
Percentiles: 80 means better than 80% of regulars at the same position. Play without the puck (positioning, coverage) isn't measured: the NHL doesn't publish that data.
| Season | Team | IQ | Off. | Def. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | PIT | 92 | 72 | 96 |
| 2024-25 | PIT | 81 | 35 | 95 |
| 2023-24 | PIT | 84 | 57 | 89 |
| 2022-23 | SJS | 98 | 94 | 96 |
WAR, 2025-26
How it's calculated →Wins added to the team, compared with a replacement-level player called up from the AHL.
2.0
wins above replacement
1.0 to 3.1 — 90% interval
24 of 325 defensemen
+10.3 goals above replacement
Full leaderboard →See full detailsHide details
- EV offense
- +5.3
- EV defense
- -4.4
- Power play
- +1.8
- Penalty kill
- +0.8
- Shooting
- +3.3
- Penalties
- 0.0
- Average → replacement
- +3.6
In goals.
| Season | Team | GP | WAR | 90% interval | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | PIT | 75 | 2.0 | 1.0 to 3.1 | 24/325 |
| 2024-25 | PIT | 79 | 1.4 | 0.0 to 2.5 | 30/314 |
| 2023-24 | PIT | 82 | 1.3 | -0.4 to 2.3 | 31/316 |
| 2022-23 | SJS | 82 | 3.3 | 2.0 to 5.5 | 1/334 |
Player tracking (NHL EDGE)
League EDGE leaderboards →Speed, shot power, distance covered, time by zone: measured by chips in the puck and shoulder pads. 90th percentile = better than 90% of players.
- Hardest shot
- 150.9 km/h85th percentileleague avg. 139.7 km/h
- Top skating speed
- 35.6 km/h85th percentileleague avg. 34.0 km/h
- Bursts over 20 mph, season
- 2796th percentileleague avg. 8
- Offensive zone time
- 45.1 %90th percentileleague avg. 42.4 %
See full detailsHide details
- Total distance, season
- 85.0 km85th percentileleague avg. 56.1 km
- Distance, single-game high
- 5.71 km76th percentileleague avg. 4.98 km
- Offensive zone at 5v5
- 43.3 %69th percentileleague avg. 42.8 %
- Neutral zone time
- 18.0 %44th percentileleague avg. 16.9 %
- Defensive zone time
- 36.9 %89th percentileleague avg. 40.8 %
Shooting
| Shots on goal | Goals | Shooting % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All | 2785th percentile | 395th percentile | 11.1 %83rd percentile |
| High danger | 287th percentile | 084th percentile | 0.0 %60th percentile |
| Mid range | 787th percentile | 190th percentile | 14.3 %65th percentile |
| Long range | 1691st percentile | 299th percentile | 12.5 %96th percentile |
Shots on goal by zone
2026-2027 regular season. Measured by puck and player tracking chips; the percentile ranks the player within the league.
Game log, 2026-27
🔥 2-game point streak
ANA
LAK
BOS
VGK
MTL
UTA
NSH
FLA
COL
CHI
DAL
CBJ
WSH
WPG
PHIErik Karlsson: frequently asked questions
How many goals does Erik Karlsson have in 2026-27?
Erik Karlsson has 3 goals and 18 points (15 assists) in 18 games in 2026-27.
How old is Erik Karlsson?
Erik Karlsson is 36 years old: he was born on May 31, 1990.
How tall is Erik Karlsson, and how much does he weigh?
Erik Karlsson is 6'0" (183 cm) and weighs 185 lb (84 kg).
Where is Erik Karlsson from?
Sweden: Erik Karlsson was born in Landsbro, Sweden.
What team does Erik Karlsson play for?
Erik Karlsson plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, at D, wearing number 65.
Is Erik Karlsson injured?
No: Erik Karlsson is not on the latest NHL injury report. This answer is updated throughout the season.
How good is Erik Karlsson?
Erik Karlsson produced 2.0 wins above replacement (WAR) in 2025-26, 24th of 325 players at his position in the NHL. His PAL rating is 93 out of 100: elite for his position.
How much does Erik Karlsson make?
Erik Karlsson earns $11.5M for the 2025-26 season. His Value Rating is 87 out of 100 (very good contract): it measures the on-field return for that salary, compared with players at his position.
When does Erik Karlsson's contract end?
Erik Karlsson's contract runs through the 2026-27 season; he will then be an unrestricted free agent. It includes a NMC clause.
Is Erik Karlsson overpaid?
No, he gives more than he costs. His Value rating is 87 out of 100 (very good contract), where 50 is the output expected for his salary, compared with players at his position.
Is Erik Karlsson a top-10 player at his position?
No: by WAR, he ranks 24th of 325 players at his position in the NHL in 2025-26. Our comparison tool puts him side by side with any other player.
Is Erik Karlsson getting better?
Yes: his PAL rating went from 80 in 2024-25 to 93 in 2025-26 (out of 100, 50 = average player at his position).
How has Erik Karlsson played lately?
Over his last 10 games, Erik Karlsson has 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists).
What are Erik Karlsson's career stats?
Over his NHL career, Erik Karlsson has 1,176 games, 218 goals, 735 assists and 953 points. His best season: 2022-23, with 101 points in 82 games.
Where was Erik Karlsson drafted?
Erik Karlsson was drafted 15th overall (round 1) by Ottawa Senators in 2008.
Is Erik Karlsson better at home or on the road?
On the road: in 2026-27, he averages 0.63 points per game at home (5 in 8 games) and 1.30 on the road (13 in 10 games).
How does Erik Karlsson perform in the playoffs?
In the playoffs, Erik Karlsson has 73 games and 56 points in his career. His pace (0.77 points per game) is similar to his regular-season pace (0.81).
Which player is most similar to Erik Karlsson?
Roman Josi: he is the player at his position whose PAL profile (the 0-to-100 dimensions) is closest to his in 2025-26.
Roman Josi's page →Is Erik Karlsson a good fantasy pick?
Yes, a solid pick: our projection has him at 69 points in 2026-27, or 0.85 points per game.
Is Erik Karlsson married?
Yes, married to Melinda Currey in 2017.
What is Erik Karlsson's nationality?
Erik Karlsson is Swedish. Internationally: represented Sweden: Olympic silver medalist in 2014; named Best Defenceman of the tournament and selected to the All-Star Team at the 2014 Olympics; tournament Best Defenceman at the 2008 IIHF U18 Championships; Best Defenceman and named to the All-Star Team at the 2009 World Junior Championship; played for Sweden at the 2010 and 2012 World Championships; named to represent Sweden at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey (alternate captain); named to Sweden's roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
What awards has Erik Karlsson won?
James Norris Trophy (NHL's best defenceman) — 2012 ; James Norris Trophy (NHL's best defenceman) — 2015 ; James Norris Trophy (NHL's best defenceman) — 2023 ; Tournament Best Defenceman — 2008 IIHF World U18 Championships ; Tournament Best Defenceman and All-Star Team — 2009 World Junior Championship ; Tournament Best Defenceman and selected to the All-Star Team — 2014 Winter Olympics ; Selected to the NHL All-Star Game — 2011 ; Selected to the NHL All-Star Game — 2012; and more.
How many championships has Erik Karlsson won?
3: Anton Cup (Swedish Junior Championship) with Frölunda J20 — 2008; Winner of the U20 4-Nations tournament with Sweden — 2008; Olympic silver medal with Sweden — 2014.
Where did Erik Karlsson play before turning pro?
Frölunda HC and Frölunda's J20 team (J20 SuperElit), 2007–08 season (Elitserien debut on 1 March 2008).
How many points is Erik Karlsson projected to score in 2026-27?
Our projection has him at 69 points in 81 games in 2026-27 (47 to 84 points, 80% interval), based on his recent seasons, age and role.
See also: his Pittsburgh Penguins teammates
Full roster →
NHL.com ↗ · Stats and photos: NHL (NHL.com)