Rumour: Erik Karlsson wants an offer from the Montreal Canadiens

By Omar L | Jun 4, 2019

OTTAWA, ON - APRIL 2: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators stickhandles the puck against the Winnipeg Jets at Canadian Tire Centre on April 2, 2018 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images) /

The Montreal Canadiens have the cap space to make a big splash on July 1st and apparently, Erik Karlsson is hoping to get an offer from them.

Considering the Montreal Canadiens are one of the wealthiest teams in the league, cap-space wise, it’s not hard to imagine them speaking to several free agents ahead of July 1st. Matt Duchene has been a name linked to the team for years dating back to his time with the Colorado Avalanche, and it’s continuing after finishing the 2018-19 season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, there is an opportunity to bolster the blue line, and perhaps Erik Karlsson fits the bill.

We’ve discussed the possibility of Karlsson joining the Montreal Canadiens before. He was the undisputed top defenceman in the NHL for years putting up 60+ points a season despite being on some poor Ottawa Senators squads. His ability to skate and move the puck is an elite skill, and even though injuries have worried some, Karlsson is still a special asset.

Generally, when free agents hit the market, it’s teams who are directing the interest. But it’s interesting to see Karlsson sharing his opinion on where he wants to go.

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According to Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun, Karlsson hopes to get competitive offers from the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens. Apparently, Karlsson’s wife Melinda is homesick as she is originally from Ottawa, making the Sens and Habs ideal locations.

That doesn’t mean necessarily that those two teams are automatic destinations. Karlsson is also taking a hard look at returning to play for the San Jose Sharks.

The Montreal Canadiens now have a step in the door if they truly want Karlsson on their blue line. Sure the Habs need to shore up their left side with Shea Weber and Jeff Petry manning the right, but it has never hurt a team to have an excess of skill on its roster.

On the other hand, Karlsson has had a number of injuries slow him down over the seasons making you think of his longevity as a mobile defender. That shouldn’t be a point-blank deterrent though when you’re talking about a player of that calibre.

The next question is whether Marc Bergevin will try to get Karlsson on board. It won’t be an easy negotiation, especially if the Sens, who haven’t even hit the floor yet, aggressively try to bring Karlsson on.

Next. A UFA off the Market. dark

It’s going to make the month of July fairly interesting, especially if the Montreal Canadiens end up getting a meeting with Karlsson. For now, we wait.