For a relatively low-key guy, Erik Karlsson has been at the heart of just about everything NHL-related over the past six months or so. That includes drama, trade rumours, and injury concerns. While the Mike Hoffman deal resolves the drama as much as it could, and trade rumours basically stemming from his status as the highest-profile player on the market, the injury concerns were the biggest remaining question mark on how exactly Karlsson’s off-season will depend.
Well, Karlsson fans and other fans that are hoping their team is able to acquire Karlsson will be thrilled with his latest statement on the problematic ankle injury that has hampered him since the 2017 playoffs in which the Sens marched to the Eastern Conference Final.
While talking with The Athletic, Karlsson stated that he believes his ankle is better than ever – even better than before it got injured.
"I think it's better now than it was before because you work on it so much," he said. "I'm very optimistic moving forward from here. It shouldn't be an issue for me whatsoever, so that's nice…
"[It's] 110 (percent) probably, it's that good."
Hockey players are famous for downplaying injuries, and the fact that he only missed a handful of games after having it surgically repaired is a sign that he has been dealing with some pain, but that answer is just about as assuring as it gets. Whether Karlsson is trying to help his own cause by keeping his value up while heading into a contract year will remain to be seen, but any team hoping to obtain his services will certainly be happy with this update.
Regardless, his toughness was never in doubt.
(H/T The Athletic)
