SenShot Daily Poll: Who Is The Ottawa Senators’ Most Important Player?
Sep 29, 2013; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) during warmup prior to game against the New York Islander at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Widely regarded as perhaps one of the best defensemen in the league, and undisputably one of the best offesnive blueliners going, Karlsson is also coming off a devastating injury, although his was of the freak nature and once fully recovered it should not bother him long term. The 2011-12 Norris Trophy winner is a key component in starting the offense from his own end, either by skating the puck up the ice (a skill at which he is probably the best in the league), or making a pass and joining the rush. Karlsson led all defensemen by a wide margin (25 points up on 2nd) and was just under a point per game (78 points in 81 games). Also, his defensive improvement is underrated and he will see more and more time in all situations, a trend that began last season before his Achilles’ tendon injury.