News:Erik Karlsson notched a goal, an assist and a plus-3 in Thursday's Game 1 victory over Montreal.
Analysis: An impressive night for Erik Karlsson, who skated nearly 30 minutes. The most talented offensive defenseman in the league, he's likely to produce for his owners in fantasy pools as long as the Sens can hang in the playoffs -- which could conceivably be a while.
News:Erik Karlsson had two assists and was a plus-2 against the Bruins on Sunday.
Analysis:Erik Karlsson was very impressive after surprisingly returning from his Achilles injury. He picked up four assists in three games and played over 27 minutes every night. He could be a huge difference-maker in the playoffs.
News:Erik Karlsson, playing in his first game since suffering an Achilles' heel injury in February, fired eight shots on goal and assisted on both Ottawa tallies in a 2-1 win over the Capitals on Thursday.
Analysis: We originally didn't think Erik Karlsson would return this season after Matt Cooke's skate tore into his heel, but he came back well ahead of his timetable and certainly looked the part, jumping right back into more than 27 minutes of ice time.
News:Erik Karlsson (Achilles') will be in the lineup Thursday against the Capitals, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports.
Analysis:Erik Karlsson is returning way ahead of schedule, but according to team doctors, his torn Achilles' is fully healed. His playing time might be limited Thursday to see how he responds to live game action, but Karlsson will certainly quarterback any power plays the Sens have.
News:Erik Karlsson (Achilles') will travel to Washington, where the Sens play Thursday, Ian Mendes of Sportsnet reports.
Analysis:Erik Karlsson noted that there is a "slim chance" he will suit up Thursday, with Mendes adding that the blueliner will take the team's morning skate Thursday morning, presumably to get a better idea of where he is at in terms of his potential status for game action.
News:Erik Karlsson (Achilles) could play Thursday against the Capitals, Ian Mendes of Sportsnet reports.
Analysis: The Sens are still waiting for Erik Karlsson to tell them that he's ready to return, and when he does, don't be surprised if they ease him back slowly. The good news is that his limited role is expected to involve quarterbacking the power play, so there's still an opportunity for him to add to his points total before the playoffs begin.
News:Erik Karlsson (Achilles) practiced with the team Friday, the Ottawa Sun reports.
Analysis:Erik Karlsson was cleared by team doctors to resume practicing with his teammates, and GM Bryan Murray went as far as to call him 100 percent. Murray indicated that all that's left for Karlsson to do is get back in game shape before he returns to the lineup, so it looks like he will be back before the playoffs begin.
News:Erik Karlsson (Achilles) could return to practice sometime next week, the Ottawa Sun reports.
Analysis: The reigning Norris Trophy winner was expected to be out 4-6 months, but began skating again after just less than two. The team said if Erik Karlsson is cleared to begin practicing next week, then it's just a matter of him being comfortable enough to return to action, possibly in time for the playoffs.
News:Erik Karlsson continues to skate as he recovers from an Achilles' injury.
Analysis: That said, Erik Karlsson is still not close to being able to practice yet, so he remains sidelined indefinitely, with the Sens down to their last seven regular season contests.
News:Erik Karlsson skated Monday to rehab his torn Achilles.
Analysis: It's pretty shocking that last year's Norris Trophy winner is back on the ice less than two months after having his Achilles severed by a skate, but it's certainly a good sign. Expect the Sens to be extra cautious with the star blueliner though; it would make sense for them to hold him out until they're positive he's back to full health.
News:Erik Karlsson (Achilles') is unlikely to return this year, but he said Monday that it's not entirely out of the question, according to the Ottawa Sun.
Analysis: When asked if there was a chance that he could return in the playoffs, Erik Karlsson wouldn't rule out such a scenario, but it would probably take an extended run for that to even enter the realm of possibility, assuming the Sens qualify for the postseason.
Senators' Karlsson (Achilles) Likely Out Six Months
News:Erik Karlsson will likely need at least six months of recovery time on his lacerated Achilles tendon, the Ottawa Citizen reports.
Analysis: The news came out after Erik Karlsson's surgery Thursday. If everything goes according to plan he should be set to return around mid-September, which is when training camp begins for the 2013-14 season. We can expect Sergei Gonchar and Patrick Wiercioch to see increased ice time in his absence.
News:Erik Karlsson underwent surgery Thursday morning to repair what is being described as a 70 percent cut in his Achilles'.
Analysis:Erik Karlsson's recovery time is estimated at three-to-four months, which, as GM Bryan Murray points out, effectively ends the star blueliner's season.
Sens' Karlsson (Achilles) Needs Surgery, Out Indefinitely
News:Erik Karlsson will need surgery after suffering a laceration to his left Achilles during Monday's game against the Penguins. He will be out indefinitely.
Analysis: Though a timetable for Erik Karlsson's recovery isn't available at the moment, it looks like the 22-year-old will be on the shelf for an extended period of time, possibly the rest of the season. Karlsson, who is leading the Senators with six goals this year, suffered the laceration just before the end of the second period of Monday's game, when the skate of Matt Cooke caught Karlsson after a collision along the boards. Look for Ottawa to IR Karlsson and add a defenseman from the AHL.
News:Erik Karlsson was helped to the locker room after suffering an apparent injury just before the end of the second period of Wednesday's game against the Penguins.
Analysis: It appeared the skate of Pittsburgh's Matt Cooke sliced Erik Karlsson's calf, and he was unable to put weight on the leg as he was helped off the ice. If Karlsson can't return, the team will likely give an update on his status after the game.
Karlsson Delivers Three-Point Effort In Sens' Opener
News:Erik Karlsson had a goal and two assists along with a plus-2 rating in the Sens' win over the Jets on Saturday.
Analysis: Wasting no time picking up where he left off a year ago, Erik Karlsson led Ottawa with 25:35 on the ice Saturday afternoon. To make things even sweeter for fantasy owners, the tally from Karlsson came with the man advantage Saturday.
News: Senators GM Bryan Murray is expecting another strong season from Erik Karlsson, Dan Seguin of CBC Ottawa reports. However, he would not be surprised to see Karlsson's point total dip.
Analysis:Erik Karlsson recorded 78 points in 81 games last year and finished with a plus-16 rating. The next closest defensemen were Dustin Byfuglien and Brian Campbell with 53 points each, which shows you how good Karlsson's season was, and how difficult it will be to repeat it. Even if his point production slides, Karlsson should still be a premier point-scoring defenseman and one of the first couple defenders off the board in all formats.
News:Erik Karlsson leads all Finnish Elite League defenders in scoring with 27 points.
Analysis: He has seven goals and 20 assists in 28 games, and sits six points ahead of the next defender. He's also in the top-15 scorers in the whole league. He may have a hard time repeating his excellent 2012-13, but he'll certainly come close time after time.
News:Erik Karlsson has agreed to a lockout deal with Jokerit of the Finnish Elite League, the Ottawa Sun reports.
Analysis:Erik Karlsson, the league's reigning Norris Trophy winner after recording 78 points last season, agreed to a seven-year, $45.5 million extension with the Senators in June. Karlsson is the third Senators player to head overseas with Jason Spezza in Switzerland and Sergei Gonchar playing in Russia.
News:Erik Karlsson won the Norris Trophy on Wednesday as the NHL's best defenceman, reports TSN.ca.
Analysis: He defeated Shea Weber and Zdeno Chara after recording a 19-goal, 78-point, plus-16 season for the Senators. His 78 points were the most by a blueliner since Nicklas Lidstrom's 80 in 2005-06. And his plus-16 was a huge improvement over his minus-30 from last season.
News:Erik Karlsson signed a seven-year, $45.5 million extension with the Senators on Tuesday, the Ottawa Citizen reports.
Analysis: The 22-year-old defenseman notched 78 points (19G, 59A) and a plus-16 ratio in 81 games this past season. Senators owner Euguene Melnyk said in a press release that he feels this commitment will be great for both sides, and went on to say, "Erik is the type of player and person that embodies an Ottawa Senator, and we are confident that on a personal basis, he will quickly become a role model for many of our young Sens fans and a great contributor to our community."
News:Erik Karlsson tallied three more assists Monday against Winnipeg, and he was a plus-5 as well.
Analysis:Erik Karlsson had been on a bit of a poor run, but this game is a return to his prior form, and he has 76 points in 76 games on the season.
Sens' Karlsson Scores Again In Shootout Loss Wednesday
News:Erik Karlsson potted his 19th goal of the year in Wednesday's 3-2 shootout loss to Montreal. He now sits at an even 70 points in as many games played.
Analysis: His breakout season continues and to put it into perspective, he's the youngest defensemen to score at least 70 points in a season since Brian Leetch did it with the Rangers in 1988-89. Erik Karlsson's goal Wednesday night also tied a team record for most goals by a defenseman in a single year (Steven Duchesne did it back in 1996-97).
News:Erik Karlsson (undisclosed) scored twice in Saturday's shootout loss to Buffalo, his 17th and 18th goals of the season.
Analysis: So much for whatever ailed him -- his dominance continued. He now has 18 goals and 69 points this season, and is creeping ever so closer to the top-five overall scoring list. And he has some 25 more points than the next-highest scoring defender. You know what to do.
News:Erik Karlsson (undisclosed) will play against Buffalo on Saturday, TSN's Brent Wallace reports.
Analysis: Whatever the issue is, it apparently won't keep Erik Karlsson off the ice Saturday. Keep him active.
News:Erik Karlsson (undisclosed) is a game-time decision for Saturday's game against Buffalo on Saturday, CBC's Cassie Campbell reports.
Analysis: The only information Campbell had to offer on Erik Karlsson's status is that he "took a few hits from [John] Scott" on Friday. We'll keep a lookout for more information.
News:Erik Karlsson scored the only goal in Tuesday's win over Boston, extending a points streak eight games.
Analysis: We're running out of superlatives to describe Erik Karlsson's production. Still just 21 years old, Karlsson has 18 points the last eight games and his 51 assists alone are more points than the league's second-most productive defender. If you bought low on Karlsson this season, you've been handsomely rewarded, but we haven't seen this type of point-per-game production from a defender since Mike Green's 2009-2010 campaign.
News:Erik Karlsson continued his torrid hot streak, picking up two assists Sunday against the Islanders, giving him 51 helpers on the season.
Analysis:Erik Karlsson is second in the league in assists and sixth in points. For a defenseman, this is extremely impressive. He's also scored in seven straight games.
News:Erik Karlsson scored a goal and added two assists in Saturday's loss to Boston. His current point streak stands at six games and 15 points (six goals, nine assists).
Analysis: The points move him into a tie with Vancouver's Daniel Sedin for seventh in NHL scoring with 63 points. And that starts to elevate him into the Paul Coffey stratosphere. It's been a long, long time since a defender was among the league leaders in scoring.
News:Erik Karlsson had a goal and two assists Wednesday night as the Senators thumped the Capitals, 5-2. He now has 60 points (13G, 47A) on the season.
Analysis: He's scored in five straight games, collecting five goals and seven assists along the way. With his three points Wednesday night, Erik Karlsson opened up a 20-point lead on the next highest scoring defenseman, Brian Campbell, who has 40. Karlsson also set a franchise mark for assists by a defenseman in a single season with 47, a record held by Norm Maciver since the 1992-93 season. He's now only three points back of the franchise mark for points by a defenseman in a single season, also held by Maciver.
News:Erik Karlsson's breakout season continued Monday against the Islanders, as he scored two goals, including the game-winner, and added two assists as well.
Analysis:Erik Karlsson has tallied nine points in his last four games, and now has 57 points in 60 games. Whenever a defenseman is in the top 20 in league scoring and has a good plus/minus to boot, he's a very valuable fantasy player.
News:Erik Karlsson scored a goal and added an assist in Saturday's OT loss to Edmonton. The points snapped a four-game point drought for the slick defender.
Analysis: He now has 50 points to lead all defenders by a wide, wide margin (Dennis Wideman and Alex Edler entered play Saturday with 38 each). And his 41 helpers make him top-three in the league for set-up men. He's entering (healthy) Mike Green territory. Roll him accordingly.
News:Erik Karlsson picked up his 39th assist of the season when he set up the Senators' only goal in Saturday's loss to the Ducks. He now has 46 points in 49 games.
Analysis: His growth as a fantasy producer has been exponential. Last season, he delivered 45 points across the entire season (75 games) but has already delivered the more in just 49 games. His assist total is near the top of the league and his plus-minus has improved from minus-30 last season to plus-7 this year. You know what to do.
News:Erik Karlsson, who missed Tuesday's game with an upper-body injury, returned Thursday against the Rangers and picked up two third-period assists in a 3-0 win.
Analysis:Erik Karlsson has been making a habit of multi-point games lately, as he's picked up two (or three) points in a ridiculous eight of his last 12 games. He has 17 points in that stretch. He did, however, break one streak, as he failed to record a blocked shot for the first time in 12 games.
News: As expected, Erik Karlsson will play Thursday against the Rangers, NHL.com reports. He was kept out of Tuesday's game against the Penguins for precautionary reasons due to an upper body injury.
Analysis: "I feel a lot better today," Erik Karlsson said. "It's definitely going as plan and I expect to be ready tonight." Karlsson is the type of player, with 41 points in 43 games, where you don't mull over a lineup choice even if he might be a shade under 100 percent. Get him back in there.
Ottawa's Karlsson Likely To Return To Action Thursday
News:Erik Karlsson (upper body) was kept out of Tuesday's game against Pittsburgh for precautionary reasons and should return to the lineup for Thursday's game against the Rangers, the Ottawa Citizen reports.
Analysis: Head coach Paul MacLean told reporters after Tuesday's 5-1 win over the Penguins that Erik Karlsson's injury is not serious and he should be back for Thursday's road game against the Rangers. Fantasy owners and Senators fans alike can breathe a sigh of relief.
News:Erik Karlsson was scratched from Tuesday's game against the Penguins with an upper-body injury.
Analysis: We're still awaiting more details on the injury. Erik Karlsson had been on a breakneck scoring pace coming into this game.
News:Erik Karlsson lit the lamp and added an assist Sunday against Philadelphia. He also was an impressive plus-5.
Analysis:Erik Karlsson now has 41 points in 43 games, and his 35 assists are second in the league. That is quite impressive for a defenseman.
News:Erik Karlsson picked up two more assists in Saturday's loss to the Flyers.
Analysis: Katlsson continues to give his teammates easy scoring chances and now has 34 assists on the season - the second highest total in the league.
News:Erik Karlsson posted two assists in Monday's win over New Jersey, giving him four points in the last three games, putting six shots on goal.
Analysis:Erik Karlsson's numbers have been outstanding this season and he has five multi-point games in the last eight contests. He is worth even more in leagues that count shots on goal as he is in the NHL's top 10, and not just for defensemen. Karlsson is establishing himself as an elite NHL talent, now if only a few more goals would come from all those shots.
News:Erik Karlsson had a goal and an assist Friday night to help Ottawa overcome an early three-goal deficit and defeat Calgary 4-3 in overtime.
Analysis: He scored a highlight-reel goal early in the third period to tie the game at 3-3 before assisting on Daniel Alfredsson's overtime game-winner. With 35 points (5G, 30A) in 38 games, Erik Karlsson's one of the best fantasy defensemen in the game and he'll only get better.
News:Erik Karlsson posted a goal and an assist in Tuesday's win over Buffalo, giving him five points in the last two games.
Analysis:Erik Karlsson is proving to be the Senators' most consistent offensive player and is rewarding owners who took a chance on his potentially woeful plus-minus rating. Karlsson has established himself as one of the NHL's top offensive blue liners and is showing no sign of slowing down.
News:Erik Karlsson grabbed an assist and finished a minus-2 in the Senators' shootout loss to New Jersey Thursday.
Analysis: Neither numbers in the stat line are too surprising, but Erik Karlsson's career season continues as the assists keep coming for the 21-year old Swede. He has an assist in each of the last two games and three points over the last four contests.
News:Erik Karlsson tallied two assists in a win over Carolina on Sunday. He now has 20 assists on the season.
Analysis:Erik Karlsson's 20 assists are second in the league. The 21-year-old looks like a star of the future, and he may very well be on his way to becoming a star of the present.
News:Erik Karlsson picked up an assist in Friday night's 5-1 loss to Buffalo.
Analysis: He now has a goal and 14 assists in 17 games and ranks tied for second in scoring amongst all NHL defensemen. Erik Karlsson also leads all defensemen in shots on goal with 60.
News:Erik Karlsson had two assists in Saturday's victory over the Rangers.
Analysis:Erik Karlsson is off to a great start in 2011, handing out a league-leading 11 assists through Ottawa's first 11 games. Fantasy owners and Senators forwards are certainly hoping he can continue setting up scoring opportunities for his teammates at a high rate.
News:Erik Karlsson had a goal and an assist in Tuesday's loss to the Flyers.
Analysis: When the team loses 7-2, nothing rises to the level of "bright spot" in the game, but Erik Karlsson at least took the points away from the game, giving him eight points on the season.
News:Erik Karlsson picked up three assists Saturday in a loss to Toronto.
Analysis: Two of the helpers came on the PP. This guy is supremely talented but his plus-minus (minus-2 on Saturday) will be once again be abysmal. He was minus-30 last year and he's already minus-3 in two games. He may not be worth the aggravation in certain formats unless you have a solid counterbalance on your roster.
News:Erik Karlsson picked up a power-play helper and led all Sens with 2:44 on the man advantage in Friday's loss to Detroit.
Analysis: The 21-year-old Swede logged 19:05 on the night and was minus-1 in a game where the Sens faced a 5-0 deficit at one point. We love his sleeper potential this season and the power-play role is one of the primary reasons.
News: Karlsson (leg laceration) will not return to action before the end of the season reports the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch.
Analysis: While the laceration he suffered on his thigh did not go deep enough to slice through any muscle, it won't heal fully until after the season is over. Depending on the state of his injury, Karlsson might join Sweden's national team for the World Hockey Championships, which start later this month.
Sens' Karlsson To Miss Saturday's Game Against Leafs
News: Karlsson (leg laceration) will not suit up for Saturday's game against Toronto reports the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch.
Analysis: The cut on his thigh, which required approximately 25 stitches, did not go through any muscle so it sounds like Karlsson will be day-to-day for the time being.
Ottawa's Karlsson Suffers Minor Leg Laceration Thursday
News: Karlsson's thigh needed 25 stiches to close the gash after it was cut by the skate blade of a Florida defender in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Panthers reports the Ottawa Citizen.
Analysis: The good news is that the skate did not cut into any muscle and the young defender was up and walking about after the game. No word yet on his status for Saturday's game against Toronto, but we wouldn't expect him to be in the lineup. Karlsson's injury status should be updated later Friday.
News: Karlsson left Thursday's game after being struck on the leg by a skate blade. He did not return.
Analysis: He was killing a penalty and pushed the puck up the ice. During the chase, the opponent he was following hot up-ended and the guy's skate appeared to come up and hit Karlsson's leg just above his shin guards. We don't know the severity but let's pray it's not a severe cut.
News: Karlsson picked up two helpers, including one shorthanded, in Saturday's come-from-behind win over the Lightning.
Analysis: He's becoming a monster on the blue line. He logged more than 31 minutes of ice time, fired five shots and finished plus-2 while playing in all situations. He has 10 points in his last nine games and 43 on the season. He's top-12 in scoring from the blue line and he's still just 20. He's a keeper leaguer's dream.
News: Karlsson had a goal and an assist Sunday afternoon in Ottawa's 6-4 loss to Buffalo.
Analysis: Karlsson now has 40 points (12G, 28A) on the season and is on a nice roll right now with eight points (3G, 5A) in his last eight games. He's also firing the puck on net with a lot more regularity as he has 33 shots in those eight games.
News: Karlsson picked up a powerplay assist in Ottawa's 2-1 win over Tampa Bay Friday night.
Analysis: The young defender also fired four shots on goal and blocked three shots while seeing over 24 minutes of action. Karlsson's been playing better of late with six points (2G, 4A) in his past seven games.
News: Karlsson's two third-period goals accounted for the entirety of Ottawa's offense in Thursday's 2-1 win over Florida. He also had a career-high 10 shots on goal.
Analysis: Curiously, the only other goal of the game was also scored by a defenseman, Florida's Clay Wilson. Karlsson has had a very good sophomore NHL season, especially considering how bad the Senators have been this year. His minus-32 rating is hideous, but the 11 goals and 37 points certainly play.
News: Karlsson (upper body) played 22 minutes in Friday's loss to Buffalo.
Analysis: He didn't make much of an impact on the box score with no shots on goal and a minus-2 rating, but the good news is that his upper-body injury was not serious and he should be fine going forward.
News: Karlsson (upper-body injury) skated at Thursday's morning practice, according to the Ottawa Citizen.
Analysis: Karlsson wasn't able to go in Wednesday's victory over Florida, but it looks like he has a decent shot to return to action Friday at Buffalo.
News: Karlsson assisted on Ottawa's lone goal Tuesday in the loss to New Jersey.
Analysis: Karlsson's impressive point totals continue to increase, as he has 21 assists and four in the last seven games. Despite the Senators' scoring woes, Karlsson's factored into the attack much and remains a solid option despite his minus-14 rating.
News: Karlsson will be the sole representative for Ottawa at this year's NHL All-Star Game reports the club's Twitter feed.
Analysis: He's barely scratched the surface of his potential and, at the age of 20, will be the youngest defenseman in the game.
News: Karlsson had two two goals and an assist in the Senators' win over the Penguins on Sunday.
Analysis: Karlsson started the season slowly but lately has turned on the scoring pace that he left off of last season.
News: Karlsson tickled the twine in Friday's 6-5 OT loss to the Avalanche.
Analysis: Karlsson is on pace for a 50-point season, making him one of the best young defenders in the entire league. His inexperience occasionally leads him through rough patches, but Karlsson has countered with six multi-point games this season.
News: Karlsson assisted on all three Ottawa goals -- two of them on the power play -- in Thursday's win over the Wild.
Analysis: The last one was an empty-netter, but it counts just the same, and Karlsson now has a solid 19 points in 31 games this year. He's just 20; eventually, he's going to score a lot more than that.
Sens' Karlsson Joins Top Defense Pairing with Phillips
News: Karlsson has been moved up to Ottawa's top defensive pairing with Chris Phillips reports the Ottawa Sun.
Analysis: The 20-year-old defender has played much better of late and has displaced Sergei Gonchar on Ottawa's No.1 defensive pairing. Karlsson has more points and a better plus-minus than Gonchar, but it's still a bit surprising given the huge difference in experience. That being said, Karlsson has enormous fantasy upside given his age and skill set, so it might not be that surprising after all.
News: Karlsson had a goal and an assist Friday night in Ottawa's 3-2 win over New Jersey.
Analysis: He now has a goal and three assists in his last three games. Karlsson's on pace for 40+ points this season even while playing for an offensively challenged Ottawa squad.
News: Karlsson assisted on Ottawa's lone goal in a 2-1 loss to Pittsburgh on Friday afternoon.
Analysis: In his return from a two-game benching, Karlsson showed why he's already one of the best young defenders in the game, with an assist, a plus-1 rating, and seven shots on goal. We don't expect him to be benched again anytime soon.
News: Karlsson will be back in Ottawa's lineup for Friday afternoon's game against Pittsburgh, reports the Ottawa Sun.
Analysis: He's sat out the last two games, but his offensive presence is desperately needed by an Ottawa squad that's fired an average of only 19 shots on net during his absence.
News: Karlsson will sit out his second straight game Wednesday night against Dallas confirms the Ottawa Citizen's James Gordon.
Analysis: This is simply a chance for the youngster to step back and reassess his game from the press box. We expect Karlsson to be back in the starting lineup soon.
News: Karlsson could sit out a second straight game Wednesday night against Dallas reports the Ottawa Sun.
Analysis: Head coach Cory Clouston liked what he saw from the defense in Monday's 3-2 win against the Kings and it sounds like he'll go with the same lineup for Wednesday's game against Dallas. Karlsson, who's barely 20, will continue to go through ups and downs as a second-year defender, but we expect him to be back in the lineup sooner rather than later.
News: Karlsson (illness) won't play against Los Angeles on Monday night, the Sens' official site reports.
Analysis: David Hale will replace him, but Karlsson's absence may only be one game depending on how he responds in the next 48 hours.
Sens' Karlsson Might Sit Out Monday's Game With Illness
News: Karlsson missed Sunday's practice due to illness reports the Ottawa Citizen's Ken Warren.
Analysis: All indications are that Karlsson will likely miss Monday's game against the Kings so for those in daily leagues, you'll want to sit him. We'll know for certain whether or not he plays after Monday morning's practice. If Karlsson can't go, David Hale will fill in.
News: Karlsson picked up two assists in Ottawa's 3-2 win over Montreal on Saturday night.
Analysis: The 20-year-old is having a nice run right now, having recorded eight points in his last 10 games. After having a very rough start to the year, Karlsson has started turning it around both offensively and defensively. He looks to be over his early season troubles and should be an automatic start for most fantasy squads.
Ottawa's Karlsson: Two Points in Victory Over Toronto
News: Karlsson picked up a goal and an assist in Tuesday's 3-2 win over Toronto.
Analysis: The goal was Karlsson's third of the season. He is now up to six points in 12 games on the year. If he stays healthy, there's no reason he can't put up at least 40 points this season.
Ottawa's Karlsson Collects Two Assists in 4-2 Win Over Buffalo
News: Karlsson picked up two assists in over 19 minutes of ice time in a 4-2 Ottawa victory over Buffalo on Friday night.
Analysis: He played his best game of the year Friday night and looked much more composed and confident with new defense partner David Hale. The 20-year-old has had a really tough start to the year, but is slowly starting to turn things around and now has three points (1G, 2A) in his last three games.
Ottawa's Karlsson Practices On Third Defense Pairing On Sunday
News: Karlsson was demoted to Ottawa's third defensive pairing at Sunday's practice reports the Ottawa Sun.
Analysis: The young blueliner hasn't looked very good in Ottawa's first two games and is a minus-2 with no points. Karlsson's been weak on the puck, has skated poorly, and hasn't had much urgency to his game. If he keeps this up, don't be surprised to see him sent to the AHL for a stint to rediscover his game in a less stressful environment.
News: Playing in his first postseason game, Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson made quite a splash during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against the Penguins. Karlsson totaled one goal and one assist in 21:24 of ice time. The 19-year-old Karlsson restored Ottawa's two-goal lead in the second period, collecting a rebound of a shot from the left point by Matt Cullen that rebounded off Mike Fisher in front and wristing it into a wide-open corner of the net to make it 4-2.
Analysis: Karlsson is having quite the finish to his rookie season. After struggling for most of the year, which included a demotion to the minors, Karlsson posted four goals and eight assists in his final 10 regular-season games. His defense also improved, as he finished below even just once in that span. This was the type of production Ottawa wanted to see all season from the 2008 first-round pick, but like most rookie blueliners, he had his struggles. However, this late-season run gives us hope that Karlsson -- an offensive blueliner -- could be ready for a breakout campaign in 2010-11. Don't be afraid to reach for him on Draft Day 2010.
News: Senators D Erik Karlsson tallied three assists and finished at minus-1 on Tuesday against the Capitals. He also took two minor penalties. Karlsson has racked up two straight three-assist games. He has one goal and eight assists in his last five outings.
Analysis: Karlsson is starting to showcase the type of offensive potential that Ottawa intends to see from the 2008 first-round pick for years to come. He is finally understanding how to play in coach Cory Clouston's system and when to attack offensively. Karlsson is a good long-term Fantasy keeper and could end up being a Draft Day steal in 2010.
News:Erik Karlsson had a goal and an assist, and the Ottawa Senators ended a five-game losing streak with a 2-0 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Monday night. Peter Regin gave Ottawa a 1-0 lead 10:15 in when he redirected Karlsson's pass at the edge of the crease for his 10th goal. With Montreal's Dominic Moore off for hooking, Karlsson added some breathing room for the Senators when he picked up his second point of the game with his second goal of the season 8:17 into the third. The rookie defenseman drove a slap shot from the point through traffic and past Jaroslav Halak.
Analysis: Karlsson managed his second multi-point game in his last seven outings and third of his rookie season. A lot of folks put some heavy expectations on Karlsson coming into his rookie season. He showed as a junior player he could be a skilled offensive player, and many expected a quick translation to the NHL game. But Karlsson struggled learning the defensive aspects and that slowed his offensive progression. He has had his moments in the second half, but he is still having some defensive lapses. Karlsson is a good long-term Fantasy keeper, but he has low-end Fantasy appeal in seasonal formats.
News: Ottawa D Erik Karlsson was removed off IR and back on the ice on Tuesday after the Olympic hockey break. Karlsson returned against the Rangers in Ottawa. He had been out with a shoulder injury and last played in a game on Feb. 4 against Vancouver.
Analysis: Ottawa coach Cory Clouston said Karlsson was playing the best hockey of his career "by far" before getting injured. Karlsson had been picking up assists and playing excellent defense before going down. That development on defense had allowed the 2008 first-round pick to pick up more playing time and earn the trust of his coaching staff. Still, he is more of a low-end Fantasy option and long-term keeper.
News: The Toronto Sun reports Senators D Erik Karlsson is out indefinitely after sustaining a shoulder injury on Thursday against the Canucks. Ottawa said on Friday that Karlsson will not return until after the Olympic break, meaning he will miss at least the next five games. "Obviously it's not a good feeling to get this right now," Karlsson said. "Just have to work through it and be even stronger when I come back." Alexandre Picard, who has been a healthy scratch in eight of the last nine games, will take Karlsson's spot in the rotation.
Analysis: Ottawa coach Cory Clouston likened Karlsson's injury to that of Nick Foligno, who broke his leg last week. Clouston said Karlsson was playing the best hockey of his career "by far." Karlsson was instrumental in Wednesday's win over Buffalo as his key assist helped set up the game winner. He has also been playing very good defense lately, posting a plus-7 in his last five games. That development on defense has allowed the 2008 first-round pick to pick up more playing time and earn the trust of his coaching staff. Now, the injury puts a damper on all his progress. He is still more of a low-end Fantasy option and long-term keeper when active.
News: Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson left Thursday's game against the Canucks late in the second period. He suffered an upper-body injury and did not return. The rookie had no points in 13:29 of ice time.
Analysis: Karlsson was instrumental in Wednesday's win over Buffalo as his key assist helped set up the game winner. He has also been playing very good defense lately, posting a plus-7 in his last five games. That development on defense has allowed the 2008 first-round pick to pick up more playing time and earn the trust of his coaching staff. Karlsson is still more of a long-term Fantasy keeper until his offensive production really picks up.
News: Senators D Erik Karlsson picked up an assist on the game-winning goal Wednesday against the Sabres. Karlsson set up Daniel Alfredsson for the decisive goal with a minute remaining. Karlsson wound up at the right point as if he was going to shoot, but instead fed a perfect pass through the slot to Alfredsson, alone at the left post.
Analysis: Karlsson has four assists during a three-game point streak. But the most impressive note is that Karlsson has been better than even in seven of his last eight games. That development on defense has allowed the 2008 first-round pick to pick up more playing time and earn the trust of his coaching staff. Karlsson is still more of a long-term Fantasy keeper until his offensive production really picks up.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Senators D Erik Karlsson was elevated to the first defensive pairing on Saturday against Boston, alongside Chris Phillips, because of the absence of Anton Volchenkov. Karlsson had a plus-1 rating in 23 minutes of ice time.
Analysis: Karlsson might have played in the top pairing, but he still didn't have a point and hasn't scored since Dec. 19. Karlsson is pretty much playing like a rookie blueliner. He is contributing marginally on offense and making rookie mistakes. It's good he is getting to play in all situations, but Karlsson is more of a long-term Fantasy keeper until his offensive production picks up.
News: Senators D Erik Karlsson tallied an assist and finished at plus-4 on Sunday against the Flyers. Karlsson had been a healthy scratch for three games before dressing on Thursday against the Islanders.
Analysis: Karlsson has severely undercut expectations in his rookie season. But the real verdict is that Ottawa expected way too much from the 19-year-old blueliner. He might have a bright future in the NHL and a ton of offensive potential, but he needs time to learn the NHL game and adapt. Karlsson remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper and low-end flier in seasonal formats until his breakout run.
News: The Senators scratched rookie defenseman Erik Karlsson for the third straight game on Wednesday against the Avalanche.
Analysis: Karlsson has severely undercut expectations in his rookie season. But the real verdict is that Ottawa expected way too much from the 19-year-old blueliner. He might have a bright future in the NHL and a ton of offensive potential, but he needs time to learn the NHL game and adapt. Karlsson remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper and low-end flier in seasonal formats until his breakout run.
News: Defenseman Erik Karlsson has been recalled by the Ottawa Senators. The 19-year-old Karlsson was recalled from AHL affiliate Binghamton on Friday.
Analysis: Karlsson was Ottawa's first-round draft pick in 2008 and started this season with the club. He was assigned to Binghamton on Oct. 27 and recorded 11 assists in the team's past 12 games. In nine NHL games this season, the Swede had three assists. The Senators are really hoping the time in the minors suited Karlsson well and he can be a force on the offensive end in the NHL. Karlsson remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper and low-end flier in seasonal formats until his breakout run.
News: The Senators have assigned D prospect Erik Karlsson to the AHL.
Analysis: Karlsson has three points in nine games this season for Ottawa and was featuring some on the power play. However, the first year of his contract was about to kick in after 10 games, so the Sens decided they wanted to delay that happening. Karlsson remains a solid long-term keeper, but isn't likely to be up again this season unless injuries hit the Sens squad.
News:The Sports Xchange reports D Erik Karlsson, brought in for his offensive capabilities, led the Senators in shots on goal (five) during Saturday's game against the Rangers. Karlsson, who picked up an assist for his first NHL point, played 17:41 and was a minus-1.
Analysis: Karlsson spent the 2008-09 season with Frolunda of the SEL (Sweden). He totaled five goals and 10 points in 45 games. He is a bit undersized at 5-11, 165 pounds and that's the Senators main concern. Can his body handle the every night punishment in the NHL? Although his numbers don't show it, Karlsson is a very skilled offensive defender. Karlsson has a great hockey sense and can move the puck with ease. He is a solid long-term Fantasy keeper and a potential sleeper for deeper formats. A point in his first game is a nice start.
News: The Senators have signed defenseman Erik Karlsson to a three-year, entry-level contract. The 18-year-old defenseman, who was the Senators' first-round pick in 2008 (15th overall), will be in training camp in September with a chance at making the roster. "His head and hands are terrific, but the question is can he handle the everyday traffic in the NHL?" Senators GM Bryan Murray told the Ottawa Citizen. "Certainly he'll address a need for us if he can play right away."
Analysis: Karlsson spent the 2008-09 season with Frolunda of the SEL (Sweden). He totaled five goals and 10 points in 45 games. He is a bit undersized at 5-11, 165 pounds and that's the Senators main concern. Can his body handle the every night punishment in the NHL? Although his numbers don't show it, Karlsson is a very skilled offensive defender. Karlsson has a great hockey sense and can move the puck with ease. He is a solid long-term Fantasy keeper, and if he makes the roster out of camp, then he would be a rookie sleeper in seasonal formats.
