Erik Karlsson Takes Shot at Canada Media While Squashing Trade Talk

Karlsson said. “I played there for a long time so I kind of know how that game works. They’ve got a lot of things to talk about every day to (fill) a lot of air time, but they only have a few things to actually discuss.” He added, “They like to make up these what-if scenarios. That’s just the way it is, and it’s not something that I really look into or worry too much about.”

Karlsson holds a full no-movement clause in his contract, which spans three additional seasons. The Penguins agreed to pay their share of his $10 million annual salary as part of the significant trade deal struck last summer with San Jose. There’s no guarantee the Senators even want to take that on.

Why Is Senators and Karlsson Trade Talk Still Out There?

The Senators are looking for a right-shot defenseman. They are loaded with left-shot blueliners and they are looking for veterans to help move this franchise forward. Karlsson was beloved in Ottawa, he still has a home there, and if the Penguins elect to shift directions, what other options make more sense?

But, Karlsson has been there and done that. It’s as logical to assume he’s moved on with that part of his life as it is to suggest he’d be excited to go back to it. He might have been making a light-hearted joke about Canada in his comments, but it certainly sounds like he doesn’t miss the constant spotlight that comes with playing in a Canadian market. That includes media members simply making up ideas and them taking on a life of their own.