Erik Karlsson has five assists in 17 games this season.

BY IAN MENDES
sportsnet.ca

The Ottawa Senators will not be releasing Erik Karlsson to Team Sweden so that he can participate in the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championships later this month.

The 19-year-old Karlsson is eligible to play in the tournament, but Ottawa general manager Bryan Murray believes that keeping the young defenceman in the NHL will be more beneficial to him.

"We've talked to him. We've talked to the Swedish coach and unless something different happens in the next little while, he's going to stay in Ottawa," Murray said on Monday evening, just prior to the Senators game against Toronto at the Air Canada Centre.

Karlsson was sent down to AHL Binghamton in late October, but was recalled by the club at the end of November. He's collected five assists in 17 games this season. Murray said that Karlsson completely agreed with the decision made by the club.

"We understand the importance of player development. He thought if he could play here and have some influence, he would like to stay with the Ottawa Senators. We believe it's the right thing."