New Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas seems to have his eye on one of this summer's biggest trade targets, and he has the backing of two of his most important players to get a deal done.

Franchise icons Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang have given their stamps of approval for the Penguins to acquire San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson, reports The Athletic's Rob Rossi.

The Penguins and the Carolina Hurricanes have emerged as the primary suitors for Karlsson, and both teams have been granted permission to speak directly to him, per Rossi. Karlsson has made it abundantly clear that he would like to be moved to a contender as he enters his 15th season in the NHL.

Dubas more or less confirmed his interest in the star blue-liner on July 1.