According to the latest NHL rumors from the Ottawa Sun, defenseman Erik Karlsson is considering a return to the Ottawa Senators in free agency.
The Ottawa Senators are undergoing a much-needed rebuild. Fans had to watch fan favorites such as Erik Karlsson, Ryan Dzingel, Matt Duchene, and Mark Stone get shipped out for prospects and draft picks. However, according to the latest NHL rumors, Karlsson is open to a return to the Senators.
This report comes from The Ottawa Sun. According to Don Brennan, the former Sens captain could be receptive to returning to the team that drafted him. This feeling is reportedly mutual, as the Senators would love to have him back.
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Though the Senators are a rebuilding team, it would make sense for Karlsson to return.
First of all, he would give them a face of the franchise, which would only help their chances of selling tickets. Currently, this role belongs to owner Eugene Melnyk, which is not ideal considering how much fans hate him.
Secondly, Karlsson’s wife’s family is from Ottawa, so he’d like to play somewhere close to there. According to Brennan, he’s open to playing for the Senators or Montreal Canadiens, who would be right by there.
Karlsson’s other suitors include the New York Rangers. It’s worth noting New York is just a short flight away from Ottawa. Karlsson has also been linked to the Tampa Bay Lightning and Colorado Avalanche. A return to the San Jose Sharks, who traded for him in September, isn’t out of the picture either.
The Senators reportedly tried to re-sign their captain in July, but after Karlsson refused to sign an eight-year deal worth about $10 million a year, they traded him.
Their former captain would join a surprisingly promising blueline which includes young defensemen Thomas Chabot and Erik Brannstrom. Karlsson would give the Senators one of the NHL’s better bluelines.
However, there is some risk in signing him to a long-term deal. Karlsson is coming off numerous injuries and has a lengthy injury history. However, he has a history of bouncing back strong from injuries.
This season, Karlsson posted three goals and 45 assists for 48 points in 53 games with the Sharks during the regular season. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he added two goals and 14 assists for 16 points in 19 games.
It seems unlikely Karlsson will return to the Senators, as he’ll likely receive better offers. However, don’t rule anything out, as his next destination is unknown.