On the Ottawa Senators …
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Senators: The Senators won’t be trading defenseman Erik Karlsson and forward Mark Stone. Stone is arbitration rights this offseason, with Karlsson a UFA after next season.
Have to think that GM Pierre Dorion has told both they won’t be moved. The Senators plan on sitting down with both players this offseason to discuss a long-term deal.
The Senators have been getting calls on Mike Hoffman, Zack Smith, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and Cody Ceci. There has also been interested in Derick Brassard, but the Senators are not expected to trade him. It would take a big offer for the Senators to move Pageau.
The Blues have shown “genuine” interest in Hoffman.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Last week Senators GM Dorion said “never-say-never” about a Karlsson trade, which was interpreted as they were listening to offers. The Senators don’t have any intentions of trading him though.
It doesn’t make sense for the Senators to trade him now and a “slim-to- none” chance of happening before the trade deadline.
League executives have said they believe the Senators untouchables are Stone, Karlsson and maybe Thomas Chabot.
It’s believed that Karlsson will be looking for a long-term deal at between $10 and $12 million per season.
“We’re in the bottom of the league, we’re not doing a good job here and my contract is about to be up, so the discussions are going to be made,” Karlsson said.
“I still have (18 months) left to be here and work as hard as I can and as best as I can as a hockey player to try to make this team as good as possible. When that time comes to make a decision, I will make one. As of right now, it’s not something I have to worry about.
“Whatever has been speculated, you take it with a grain of salt and whatever happens will happen for a reason.”
If contract talks between the Senators and Karlsson this offseason don’t go well, then the Sens could look at what assets they could get for him.
The priority for the Senators has always been to re-sign him.
