Is An Erik Karlsson, Senators Reunion On The Table?
The Erik Karlsson rumors are hot and heavy on the streets. The NHL rumor mill continues to churn as it seems inevitable at this point that Karlsson will be traded by the deadline. When your general manager says he’s on the block, what more evidence do we need?
Personally, I keep coming back to the Florida Panthers as the perfect fit for the Sharks defensemen. However, maybe a juicier scenario is still on the table. What about a potential reunion with the Senators!?!
Elliotte Friedman recently talked about if a trade back to Ottawa was possible. Long story short, the two sides have talked but Friedman fails to see how the math works on a potential deal.
Friedman brings up a good point. You’re not trading Josh Norris, Brady Tkachuk, Alex DeBrincat, Thomas Chabot, or Drake Batherson. Ottawa also has to budget out extensions for young studs Jake Sanderson and Shane Pinto. Even if San Jose retains a lot of money, how are you fitting Karlsson under the cap here?
Also, would Karlsson even entertain a move back to Ottawa? Maybe he would but it’s a fair question to ask considering the fact that the Senators ownership group remains very unstable until a new buyer presents itself. Until we know who is buying the team, how can Karlsson commit to returning? Remember, Karlsson holds all of the cards as he contains a no-move clause in his current contract. A contact that has four years remaining at an $11.5 million AAV.
Never say never but a Karlsson, Senators reunion looks unlikely at this time. If Karlsson keeps balling out how he is (24 points in 18 games) then maybe Ottawa gets talked into giving up a core piece to bring Karlsson back home.
