Ottawa extends contract offer to Erik Karlsson, but what does it mean?
For the first time in a long time, Ottawa Senators fans received a glimmer of hope regarding Erik Karlsson. But, will they actually keep the 5-time All-Star for the 2018-2019 season?
At the beginning of July 1, 2018, the two biggest debates in the hockey world were centred around where John Tavares and Erik Karlsson would play when the next regular season begins.
By the afternoon, the hockey world was well aware that Tavares had decided to leave the New York Islanders and take his talents across the border to Toronto.
But, what about Erik Karlsson?
As of now, the Ottawa Senators organization has not publicly released any specifics surrounding a new contract or trade involving the 28-year old.
However, supporters of the Sens’ army may be intrigued to know that the teams General Manager, Pierre Dorion has at least sent out an offer to the Swedish defenseman,
“We owe it to our fans, and we made a promise at the town halls that we would make a contract offer to Erik Karlsson, and we’ve done so,” explained Dorion. “That’s all about we’re going to say about it…,we see other teams when they’re in contract negotiations and they don’t talk about it and I don’t feel there’s anything to gain from it. That’s how we feel,” he added.
With fellow superstar defenseman, Drew Doughty, accepting an 8-year $88million extension with the Los Angeles Kings, it would be shocking if Karlsson were to agree to any offer that carries an annual cap hit of less than $11million per season as well.
Yet, would a team who let their last captain walk away mainly over financial disparities actually offer a deal of this magnitude to their current franchise player?
On one hand, the Senators front-office does seem committed to making Karlsson feel comfortable with his situation in Ottawa.
First, front office confidentially gave the 2-time Norris Trophy winner captaincy over the team at 24-years of age and have remained committed to him since.
Additionally, the Sens recently traded the teams best goal-scorer, Mike Hoffman, amid a recent legal conundrum involving the two parties.
Finally, despite Dorion’s current reluctance to speak about what the offer to Karlsson may have included, audiences should be reminded that the Senators GM did confirm he would offer Karlsson a max-length contract come July 1st, earlier this year.
Altogether, it would seem Ottawa’s lone major sports franchise is loyal to its superstar.
On the contrary, however, recent news that the Senators are allowing rival NHL teams to speak to Karlsson may suggest the team is actually looking to unload #65 in a sign-and-trade deal.
Of the teams interested, it has often been reported the New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks, and even this years Stanley Cup runner-up, the Vegas Golden Knights are among the possible destinations for Karlsson
As we’ve mentioned over past few days, VGK, NYR and at least one more team has expressed interest in acquiring both Karlsson/Ryan. There are 6-7 other teams after just Karlsson. Told NYI is among them.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 2, 2018
Though Karlsson has the freedom to decline the aforementioned offer and simply play out the remainder of his current contract, Sens fans should remain optimistic that management is at least making efforts to mend the relationship with the teams’ captain.
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Will Erik Karlsson remain with the Ottawa Senators organization for the upcoming 2018-2019 season, or will he be shipped off to one of the many suitors? Unfortunately for Canada’s capital region, the waiting game will continue for now.