Ottawa Senators fans may want to look the other way for this one.
On the latest episode of 32 Thoughts the Podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman talked about how a source that he knows predicted that former Senators defencemen Erik Karlsson could be traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2026-27 season.
Here is what Friedman said on his podcast.
"Depending on how both teams' seasons go, my prediction is Erik Karlsson becomes a Toronto Maple Leaf...I was like, 'Oh, that's a good prediction. 'Now what's interesting about that... When Kyle Dubas was GM of the Leafs, he tried to trade for Karlsson at one point. If it comes to the point where he's on the market, (his source said) Mats Sundin, Daniel Alfredsson, and Erik Karlsson are in Toronto. That's his pick."Friedman
Karlsson predicted to be traded to the Maple Leafs
Obviously, the fit makes sense. The Maple Leafs need more elite help on the back end, and Karlsson would provide that. Unfortunately, this would be another gut punch to the Senators' fanbase, especially after they already lost Daniel Alfredsson to their arch-rivals. So, seeing the Maple Leafs add another franchise legend would be hard to see.
The good news is the prediction was dependent on how things go for both teams. Therefore, if things take a drastic turn for the Pittsburgh Penguins or Maple Leafs, the deal is unlikely to happen. And, in all honesty, it doesn't really make a lot of sense. The Maple Leafs are in the market for blue-line help but don't need to take on the extra cap space that comes with someone like Karlsson.
Additionally, Karlsson does control his own future. With a no-movement clause, he could veto or accept a trade to the Maple Leafs if the opportunity presented itself. It would be hard to visualize for Senators fans, but because he has the right to choose where he wants to go, there shouldn't be much hate towards him. Especially when he could decide to return to Ottawa next off-season, or potentially earlier if he accepts a trade to the Nations Capital rather than any other team in the NHL, including the Maple Leafs.
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