Bryan Murray on Erik Karlsson: “His Season Is Effectively Over”

Bryan Murray met with the Ottawa media this afternoon for the second time in two weeks with grave news about one of his star players.

First it was Jason Spezza, and today, Murray confirmed what had already been known and feared:  Erik Karlsson‘s season is over.   While he expects a 100% recovery, it will take 3-4 months for the 70% tear of the achilles’ tendon to heal after the surgery that was performed this morning.

Feb 13, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) is helped off the ice after being injured during the second period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

While Murray spoke with NHL Disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan, there would be no discipline handed down because they felt it was a “hockey play gone wrong” despite Murray’s assertion that Matt Cooke has a long history of discipline problems.

As for replacements, Murray has made calls but no team is willing to part with assets for players that aren’t in the league right now.  So his hands are tied.   Murray still believes the club has a shot at the playoffs.

Meanwhile, overshadowed by the Karlsson injury, Milan Michalek was scratched before the game started, and will have his knee checked out and will likely miss a game or two (optimistically).