When people think of Ottawa Senators legends, Erik Karlsson is one of the first names that comes to mind. Karlsson won the Norris Trophy two times and recorded 518 points in his nine seasons as a Senator.
Prior to the 2018-19 season, the gut punch happened for Sens fans when the Senators traded Karlsson to the San Jose Sharks. Karlsson had success in San Jose before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2023.
Karlsson's impact in Pittsburgh has been rough with the Penguins missing the playoffs in both years he's been with the team. Karlsson's name has also been rumored to be traded. Now, a new recent trade package projection might be enough to entice the Senators on making the move to trade for Karlsson.
Projected trade package for Karlsson revealed with Penguins
On July 28, Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report wrote an article titled "4 NHL Trade Packages For Erik Karlsson Amid Rumors." One of the four teams Gretz named was the Senators. The other three teams were the Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings and Dallas Stars.
Gretz trade package proposal between Senators-Penguins:
Senators receive Karlsson
Penguins receive Nick Jensen, a prospect and a 2027 first-round draft pick
Karlsson's contract at 35 years old could still be an issue for the Senators if they want to trade for him. With San Jose retaining $1.5 million in each of the next two years of Karlsson's $11.5 million annual salary per year, his contract is a risk. Karlsson will be under contract until 2027. The Penguins may have to retain some salary to make the trade work around Karlsson and the Senators.
In the end, a good amount of Sens fans want to see Karlsson wear a Senators jersey again before he retires. With the career he had in Ottawa prior to getting traded, Karlsson deserves to have his number 65 raised to the rafters in Ottawa after he retires.
With the package Gretz projected, it could be a trade enough to entice the Senators to trade for Karlsson. Along with being a Sens legend and a quality offensive player, there is more to the package for the Senators to be enticed.
Jensen's health is a concern with the Senators after having off-season hip surgery this past May. Jensen is also on an expiring contract, which can make him trade bait. With Jensen being a right-handed defenseman, the Senators would gain one back with trading for Karlsson.
A prospect being in the trade is worthy. One prospect name among the Senators can be Tyler Boucher. Since being drafted 10th overall in 2021, Boucher has yet to play an NHL game. Boucher's time in Ottawa is on thin ice with being on an expiring contract just like Jensen, and the Senators could be eager to move Boucher due to other rising prospects to get Karlsson. The Senators could also another prospect or two along with Boucher if they choose to trade for Karlsson.
2027's first-round pick might not be something the Senators are thinking about much. With making the 2025 playoffs, the Senators are destined to win now and into the future with their core. If trading for Karlsson helps improves Ottawa's chances to win the Stanley Cup right now, the 2027 first-round pick might be worthy of trading. The Senators don't have their 2026 first-round draft pick due to the Evgenii Dadonov punishment.
Karlsson's name will continue to be in trade rumors with Pittsburgh. With trade packages that can be made, the recent one Gretz made with the Senators could be enough for Karlsson to return to Ottawa.