Erik Karlsson remains the object of affection for many Ottawa Senators fans, who still hope for a reunion with the former captain. According to a report by Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen, the Senators seriously explored bringing Karlsson back during the 2022-23 season, but the potential trade was ultimately abandoned over concerns it would undermine the leadership of then-captain Brady Tkachuk.
Near Trade in 2022
In 2022, the San Jose Sharks, who had just hired general manager Mike Grier, were considering a rebuild and were open to moving Karlsson. The Senators, led by then-GM Pierre Dorion, engaged in extensive discussions with Grier about a deal. San Jose would have needed to retain part of Karlsson's $11.5 million U.S. cap hit to make the trade feasible, but every aspect was explored.
Internally, the Senators decided that coach D.J. Smith would gauge the dressing room's reaction to acquiring Karlsson. At the time, Tkachuk was in his second season as captain, having signed a seven-year contract in October 2021. The organization feared that bringing in Karlsson, a strong personality and natural leader, would undermine Tkachuk's growing authority. As a result, the trade was shelved.
Karlsson's Legacy in Ottawa
Drafted 15th overall in the 2008 NHL draft at the Canadian Tire Centre, Karlsson spent nine seasons with the Senators. In 627 games, he recorded 128 goals, 392 assists, and 518 points, making him the highest-scoring defenseman in franchise history. He was traded to the Sharks in September 2018 in what is considered one of the best trades the organization ever made, bringing back Josh Norris and enabling the selection of Tim Stutzle third overall in 2020.
Now 36 years old, Karlsson plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he helped the team return to the playoffs last spring. The Penguins have no desire to trade him, but the mere mention of his name still stirs hope among Senators fans.
Tkachuk Trade Fuels Speculation
The recent trade of Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers for three first-round picks and a second-round selection has reignited talk of a Karlsson return. As the Senators bid farewell to their captain, fans are pining for a reunion with EK65. Garrioch recalled the 2022 discussions during a video segment with reporter Callum Fraser, noting that while the deal never materialized, the desire among fans remains strong.
Karlsson remains a powerful presence in any locker room, and his potential return would bring both on-ice skill and leadership. However, with the Penguins holding onto him and the Senators focused on a new era after the Tkachuk trade, a homecoming seems unlikely for now.
