Trade talks for Ottawa Senators superstar defenceman Erik Karlsson have picked up recently and there is belief the Vancouver Canucks have interest, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1032296716014219264
Trade rumours have surrounded Karlsson, 28, for months. He will become an unrestricted free agent following the 2018-19 campaign and figures to command a massive contract.
Last December, he opened up about hitting free agency, telling the Ottawa Sun, “When I go to market, I’m going to get what I’m worth, and it’s going to be no less, no matter where I’m going.”
Karlsson struggled at times during the 2017-18 campaign, scoring just nine goals and 62 points across 71 games. It was his lowest point total in a full season since 2010-11, when he tallied 45 points. He was also a minus-25 for the Senators, who finished seventh in the Atlantic Division and missed the playoffs.
The Canucks represent an interesting fit for Karlsson, a nine-year veteran and two-time Norris Trophy winner. The club is clearly in a rebuilding phase and has not made the post-season since 2014-15. The Canucks posted a 31-40-11 record (73 points) last season under first-year head coach Travis Green, finishing seventh in the Pacific Division.
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