He had this level of success despite playing for San Jose, which allowed the third most goals per game (3.84) in the NHL, 10th most shots on goal per game (32.2) and was tied for the eighth fewest shots on goal per game (29.5). The Penguins, meanwhile, were tied for the fourth most shots on goal per game (34.4) last season and finished one point out of an Eastern Conference Wild Card spot, snapping their 16-season streak of postseason appearances.
Karlsson ranked fifth in the NHL in time on ice per game (25:37) last season and will likely see a decrease in that category given his supporting cast in Pittsburgh. However, he will benefit from exposure to Crosby (93 points last season), Malkin (83 points in 82 games) and eventually wing Jake Guentzel (73 points in 78 games; likely to miss start of next season after ankle surgery). Karlsson and Letang, who had 41 points (12 goals, 29 assists) in 64 games last season, could form a rare two-defenseman set on the first power play.
Since entering the NHL in 2009-10, Karlsson leads NHL defensemen in points (761 in 920 games; 18th among all skaters), power-play points (273), even-strength points (481) and points per game (0.83; minimum 285 games). He ranks second in points among the 2008 NHL Draft class behind Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos (1,056 points in 1,003 games).
