On June 20, 2008 at Canadian Tire Centre, Daniel Alfredsson announced the Ottawa Senators’ selection of Erik Karlsson at the 2008 NHL Draft. Nine years, nine months, and 13 days later, Karlsson’s spectacular career as a Senator appears over.
In the Senators’ final home game of the 2017-18 season — a 6-5 loss to the Winnipeg Jets, Karlsson tallied three assists and was named the game’s third star. But it was what the Senators captain did afterwards that has everyone talking.
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At the buzzer, Karlsson grabbed the game puck out of the back of the net and stuffed it down his hockey pants – likely a keepsake to commemorate his final home game in a Senators jersey.
In the locker room, Karlsson spoke to Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch, but played coy on the reason why.
Karlsson: "I was down there and I saw it was in the net so I just picked it up and decided to keep it. I haven't (thought about the final home game) until now." #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) April 3, 2018
Karlsson: "I'm a social guy, I read a lot of things and I'm not reading too much into it, but obviously the word is out there from you guys. It's not something I've thought about going into this game and it's not something I'm going to think about for awhile." #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) April 3, 2018
Karlsson, who is an unrestricted free agent after the 2018-19 season, ran into issues with Senators owner Eugene Melnyk. During the run-up to the 2018 trade deadline, the Senators asked Karlsson for a list of teams he’d be willing to be dealt to. Ottawa reportedly talked to teams about Karlsson up until the 3pm deadline, including the Washington Capitals.
A deal wasn’t made, but it’s presumed Karlsson will be dealt over the summer.
Karlsson will likely finish his Senators career as the team’s third-leading scorer behind Alfredsson and Jason Spezza. Karlsson won the Norris Trophy twice as the league’s best defenseman.
Karlsson's last season with the Sens couldn't be more fitting. Will lead the team in scoring for a 5th straight season (1st time in NHL history), finish with a Rel Corsi above 5%, lead all defenders in points per game… and Ottawa will end up 30th in the league despite him.
— manny (@MannyElk) April 3, 2018
The Senators have three away games remaining. They conclude the 2017-18 season Saturday in Boston.
