Penguins' Karlsson wins 2026 Mr. TNT award

Defenseman jokes he 'doesn't know what this means' after receiving prestigious honor

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:39am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the dynamic movement and energy of an NHL defenseman scoring a goal, with the player's features dissolving into unrecognizable brushstrokes.Karlsson's award-winning season is captured in a dynamic, colorful illustration that reflects the intensity and excitement of his play on the ice.Today in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson was awarded the 2026 Mr. TNT award presented by the NHL on TNT broadcast crew. Karlsson, a three-time Norris Trophy winner, accepted the trophy from teammate Kris Letang in a video aired on the TNT postgame show, joking that he doesn't know what the award means but that it will look good with his other trophies.

Why it matters

The Mr. TNT award is considered one of the most prestigious honors in the NHL, recognizing players who have made a significant impact both on and off the ice. Karlsson's win solidifies his status as one of the league's top defensemen and fan favorites.

The details

Karlsson topped off his memorable 2025-26 season by winning the Mr. TNT award, which is voted on by the NHL on TNT broadcast crew. During his acceptance speech, Karlsson thanked the TNT panel and said the award means a lot to him, even though he's not sure what it exactly signifies. He joked that the award will help solidify analyst Paul Bissonnette's support for the Penguins, whom Karlsson has previously chirped.

  • Karlsson accepted the 2026 Mr. TNT award on April 16, 2026.

The players

Erik Karlsson

A three-time Norris Trophy-winning defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins who was awarded the 2026 Mr. TNT award.

Kris Letang

Karlsson's teammate on the Pittsburgh Penguins who presented him with the 2026 Mr. TNT award.

Paul Bissonnette

An NHL analyst for the TNT broadcast crew who Karlsson has previously chirped.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you to the entire TNT panel for voting for me. I appreciate it. Don't really know what this means, but it means a lot to me and its something I will remember forever. I will put it amongst the few other trophies that I have.”

— Erik Karlsson, Pittsburgh Penguins Defenseman

“I hope that this solidifies the bandwagon support we (Penguins) are going to get from Biz. That he has finally moved over to our team forever. That's what I take this award as and that's what it means to me.”

— Erik Karlsson, Pittsburgh Penguins Defenseman

The takeaway

Karlsson's Mr. TNT award win cements his status as one of the NHL's most popular and accomplished defensemen, further solidifying the Penguins' status as a top contender and fan favorite team.