On the Ottawa Senators and Erik Karlsson …
Ken Warren of the Ottawa Sun: When the Ottawa Senators and Erik Karlsson start contract talks, don’t expect Karlsson to take a hometown 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,” Karlsson said following the club’s practice here Thursday, as the Senators aim to end a seven-game losing streak Friday against the New York Islanders.
“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. I think it’s time to realize that when we go to the table, it’s business on both parts, not just (owners).”
Karlsson has another year on his deal and would be an unrestricted free agent.
On a long-term deal, Karlsson could be in the $11 to $12 million per season range.
Karlsson said that he likes it in Ottawa, but adds that “if it’s not the right fit and it’s not going to work out business-wise” then he’ll have to look elsewhere.
On the Los Angeles Kings and Drew Doughty …
Craig Custance of The Athletic: Drew Doughty is eligible to sign a contract extension after July 1st. A source is saying there haven’t been any exploratory contract talks as of yet.
Other pending 2019 UFAs defenseman include Erik Karlsson, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Tyler Myers, Ryan McDonagh and Ryan Ellis.
Doughty plans on reaching out to Karlsson at some point.
“I know I’m going to talk to Karlsson back and forth, kind of see what money he’s looking for. I’ll kind of look at what money I’m looking for,” Doughty said. “I don’t know if he’s going to re-sign with Ottawa, I don’t know if I’ll re-sign with L.A. You just never know what’s going to happen.”
Doughty added that he thinks that he and Karlsson should be making more than P.K. Subban’s $9 million salary cap hit.
