The trade mill is heating up ahead of Monday’s deadline and likely the hottest name being thrown around is one of the league’s elite defencemen.
Erik Karlsson has played on the Senators for long time. He first suited up for them way back in the 2009-10 season and has since solidified himself as a crucial part of the franchise. He is the undisputed number one defenceman, and has also obtained the role of team captain. On top of all that, he is a fan favourite amongst Sens’ fans.
But that may all change within the next 48 hours or so. Having a tough season himself at a -29 rating, Karlsson’s Senators are struggling to scrape themselves off of the basement floor. After a charge to the Eastern Conference finals just one year ago, the Sens are fighting off the Sabres to avoid last spot in a weak Atlantic Division. With Sens fans pleading to get rid of owner Eugene Melnyk, it appears something has got to give in Canada’s capital city.
In Ottawa, fans are struggling to accept the potential departure of their franchise staple.
The Senators’ faithful would probably be relieved to hear that Karlsson himself believes that it is improbable Saturday becomes his last game as a Senator.
While Karlsson doesn’t have total control over whether or not he gets traded, it’s nice for Sens’ fans to know that rumoured quarrels between the Swedish star and Melnyk are not bad enough to have Karlsson reaching for the door.
