Erik Karlsson's status for opening night in jeopardy

Training camp is only a few days away, but Ottawa Senators' blueliner Erik Karlsson has yet to begin skating as he rehabilitates from surgery in June to repair torn tendons in his foot.

The runner-up for the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman played with foot fractures and torn tendons during the playoffs as the Senators reached Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Ottawa general manager Pierre Dorion originally forecasted a four-month recovery that would allow Karlsson to start the regular season, but with the Senators opening Oct. 5 against Washington, that is now very much in doubt.

There might not be a player more important to his team than Karlsson, but considering he's yet to hit the ice, it seems unlikely he'll be ready by opening night.