While trade talk surrounding top defenseman Erik Karlsson seemed to have died down in recent weeks, general manager Pierre Dorion has recently stirred the rumor mill right back up again after making comments about Karlsson on Thursday to NHL.com’s Chris Stevenson.
“Our first priority with Erik is to sign him,” Dorion said. “He’s a special player, but Wayne Gretzky got traded, so, if a team offers you an offer you can’t turn down, you listen. But our first priority is to sign Erik Karlsson and [for] Erik Karlsson to be a Senator for life.”
The 27-year-old blueliner made headlines back in early December when he said that while he loves playing in Ottawa, he has no intention of taking a hometown discount when his contract expires after next season. The comments began much trade speculation which spiraled out of control and the Senators have worked hard to dismiss any interest in moving out their star player, until now.
However, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman had more to say Friday on Dorion’s comments on an appearance on Sportsnet’s 590.
“I guess they’re just laying the groundwork for the possibility (Karlsson) could get traded. I think that’s what they’re saying,” Friedman said. “Look, I think Erik Karlsson wants to be an Ottawa Senator for the rest of his career. That’s his first choice, to me. But I think there’s a lot of players there who doubt they can win under current ownership — I think he’s one of them. I think his preference would be to stay under different ownership. But I think the Senators sent the word out that ‘If you really are serious, give us a call with a serious offer.’”
Karlsson hasn’t been as effective as in previous years for Ottawa this year, although he remains the team’s top defenseman by far. The two-time Norris Trophy winner, who had 17 goals and 71 points last year, currently has three goals and 30 points in 38 games this year, although he spent his offseason recovering from foot surgery and needed time to return to form after missing time at the start of this season. He also sports a minus-19 plus/minus ratio.
Dozens of teams have been linked to rumors of interest in the star blueliner including the New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs. The Senators are expected to make several moves to rebuild after a disappointing season this year, could quicken a rebuild with a quality trade return for Karlsson, although Dorion does hold out hope they can lock up Karlsson to a long-term deal.
karlsson to Toronto for Gardiner, marner, bozak and a 1st.
Noo that’s a really bad deal for the leafs, take out Marner and Bozak and add picks. Bozak has no trade value for Ottawa. Also leafs wouldn’t be able to resign karlsson at the end of the year
They would if they send Marner to Ottawa in exchange for Karlsson.
What would be your plan for the future of Toronto? Keep Marner, Nylander and Matthews and sign all 3 to huge contract and have nothing on D? I think this recent stretch of losing has proven an elite D is what Toronto needs, not another small forward who is fast and plays no defence.
the leafs need to shed some Salary to fit karlsson even for just the rest of this year. bozak isn’t a long-term for Ottawa but can be used to trade to get a second likely at deadline time. plus no way you get karlsson without one of marner or nylander included.
Um, No! Marner, Nylander and Matthews are untouchable! Bozak is not likely to be traded either. And for someone like Karlsson, you’d have to give picks and maybe even a veteran like Ron Hainsey (who hasn’t done squat since he got here). I’d even throw in a Josh Leivo just because he likely won’t be in the mix to play while the 3 rookies are on the roster.
Hainsey hasn’t done anything? He leads the NHL in PK minutes and is the only Leaf defenseman that can play defence. Karlsson would be great but to give up what it would take to get him the Buds need to be able to sign him.
Nobody is untouchable. You have to give up talent to get talent. Marner hasn’t really proven anything in the NHL yet, and Karlsson has proven to be THE BEST D in the league. I’d trade Marner, Liljegren and a first for Karlsson. Norris trophy award winners don’t grow on trees and it’s very rare any chance to acquire one by trade comes up.
why would the leafs trade their most reliable defensive player for karlsson. Ottawa can tell you how affective a team is when karlsson isn’t playing with a defensive minded player. Gardiner is expendable if you trade for karlsson and marner and a 1st and 2nd if you want to part with two picks is fair value. Leivo has little value and trading hainsey just sets you back.
He won’t be traded. You’ll never command full value for his talent based on being UFA and set to break the bank.
Actually has a year after this before UFA. Still don’t see it happening