Controversial trade speculation involving Erik Karlsson!

When Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman talks rumours and trades, you just have to listen. And so when he mentioned the possibility of Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson possibly making his way back to the Ottawa Senators, the rumour was quickly trending.

In his latest 32 Thoughts column, Friedman wondered if fans could expect a reunion between Karlsson and the Senators.

“Please recognize that this is manifesting purely in my head. But, as I watch Daniel Alfredsson on the bench in Ottawa, I can’t help but wonder if the Senators consider a Karlsson reunion. At least, brainstorm it. Yes, it’s complicated and yes, everyone would have to be on board. But no one mind-melds with Karlsson like Alfredsson, and, since it got into my head, I can’t stop thinking about the possibility of it..”

Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas did say in a press conference that his team is running out of time ahead of the March 8 trade deadline to show they can be playoff contender, and if they fail to reach the postseason when Dubas can sale, he might move significant pieces like forward Jake Guentzel or even Karlsson.

Last season with the San Jose Sharks, Karlsson won the Norris Trophy and became the first NHL defenseman to reach 100 points in a season since Brian Leetch in 1991-92. He was traded to Pittsburgh during the summer and still has three more full years left on his deal with a cap hit of $11.5 million. Before the move was made, the blue liner had mentioned he’d be willing to play again in Ottawa.

Could it be coming to a reality sooner rather than later? Cap logistics would come into play with Ottawa needing to shed some salary, while Pittsburgh would probably seek draft picks and prospects to get younger.

But a reunion between Karlsson and the Senators sure got fans talking with two weeks to go to the deadline.

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