He should have blown off the questions with a boring "again, my focus is solely on the task at hand" and everyone would have understood.
Nobody can take serious issue with Erik Karlsson’s statements this week regarding his contract status, but the timing of them is another matter.
Even for that, I suppose, the Ottawa Senators captain cannot be blamed entirely.
The conversation was started by Los Angeles Kings defenceman Drew Doughty, who rightfully said he and Karlsson deserved to be paid more than the Nashville Predators’ P.K. Subban makes on a $9-million-per-year deal until 2021-22.
Naturally, the media travelling with the Senators on their current road trip had to ask Karlsson his opinion on the matter.
“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,” said Karlsson, who went on to add how much he liked and was “comfortable” playing in Ottawa.
As someone in the media, it pains me to say this, but, instead of talking publicly about his situation for the first time, then and there, Karlsson should have taken another route. He should have blown off the questions with a boring “again, my focus is solely on the task at hand” or some such gibberish and everyone would have understood. The team comes first.
That he instead chose to be frank and candid at this time makes him look bad. By being so honest when the Senators were on a dreadful seven-game losing skid — during which Karlsson had no points and was minus-9 — he came off as somewhat selfish. Like, even if this season turns into a complete disaster for the Senators, he’s going to get his. It’s a fact, but it should also be left unsaid by him.
Certainly, his current six-year, $45.5 million deal that expires at the end of next season makes Karlsson the best bargain in the NHL. That distinction clearly does not sit well with him. By all means, he deserves a huge bump, and, when all is said and done, he should be the highest-paid defenceman in the world. But waiting until after the season to comment, when the Senators can officially talk extension and their 2017-18 fate has been determined, was the way to go on this one.
Also, saying “when” he goes to market rather than “if” also makes it look as if Karlsson has either already made up his mind or suspects the Senators won’t meet his demands.
One more thing: When Karlsson says his surgically repaired foot “doesn’t feel as good as it did before and it’s never going to, probably,” does that mean his game will continue to suffer going forward? After a fantastic start to the season, which could have been fuelled by adrenalin and the excitement of playing in Sweden, Karlsson has been a very ordinary player, not one who is worthy of $10 million plus for eight years he’s going to get from someone.
Either way, Karlsson will never “go to market” as a Senator. If he isn’t going to sign here — and that should be determined well before next season starts — the team has to move him in a trade that will make the Kyle Turris deal look like a minor transaction.