Report: Erik Karlsson open to signing long-term with Canadian team
It seems that with every day that passes, the Erik Karlsson sweepstakes get more and more complicated.
One day after reports surfaced that he was unwilling to sign long-term with a Canadian team, the Ottawa Senators captain refuted that idea in conversation with Elliotte Friedman of Hockey Night in Canada.
Karlsson’s stance on Canadian franchises first came to light (this week) after a report from Friedman stated that he wanted to go to the Western Conference and that Vancouver had emerged as a team involved in the sweepstakes.
So, after three straight days of reports about Karlsson’s destination desires, all we know is that he wants to go to the west… maybe. To be fair, we really don’t know anything.
It makes sense that Ottawa is taking its time to piece together a deal involving the two-time Norris Trophy winner. Trading a superstar of his magnitude, and with insufficient term remaining on his contract, is no easy task. Since he entered the league in 2009-10, he is the only blueliner to tally over 500 points and only Duncan Keith has as many Norris Trophy awards.
However, with NHL training camps beginning in mid-September, the Senators may be forced to make a deal sooner than later. The longer these trade talks dip into the league calendar, the less Ottawa can expect to receive in return.
Where is Karlsson going to end up? Your guess is really as good as ours.
Eastern Conference teams: ❌
Canadian teams: ❌
Guess where Sens GM Pierre Dorion will send Erik Karlsson. pic.twitter.com/QruT0JOOn2— Yahoo Canada Sports (@YahooCASports) August 23, 2018
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