Report: Karlsson sends a strong message to Sens owners

So long and thanks for nothing?

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Report: Karlsson sends a strong message to Sens owners
Keystone Press

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty set off a firestorm of rumors when he admitted earlier this week that he’ll be conferring with Ottawa Senators superstar Erik Karlsson on his next contract. Both Doughty and Karlsson are set to hit unrestricted free-agency in the summer of 2019 and are in line to cash in LARGE. While neither blue liner has balked at the idea of re-signing with their current clubs, Karlsson has made it clear that the Sens won’t get him at a discount.

“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,” said the Sens captain told the Ottawa Sun this weekend.   
 
The former two-time Norris Trophy winner is arguably the best defenseman in the entire NHL and is going to get a new salary that is well north of Nashville Predators’ P.K. Sub’s $9 million annual salary. Demands like that could cripple a small market team like the Sens, so… will GM Pierre Dorion look to move Karlsson before its too late? Or, are they best to pay up and hope for the best?

“I think it’s time to realize that when we go to the table, it’s business on both parts, not just [owners],” Karlsson said. “That’s the business part of it. That’s the way every player has been treated ever since this league has started, and I think the players have been a little bit on the other side of things when it comes to negotiations.”

Source: Sportsnet