Ottawa Senators defenceman Erik Karlsson set himself up for a lucrative new contract during his outstanding record-setting 2011-12 season. Now, how much more will he be worth if he walks away from here with a Norris Trophy in his back pocket following the NHL Awards on Wednesday?
When the NHL general managers met during the most recent Stanley Cup final, there was an empty chair at the table. Bryan Murray of the Ottawa Senators played hooky. He went AWOL, in a manner of speaking, although Murray did inform the NHL’s senior VP of Hockey Operations, Colin Campbell, that he wouldn’t be there. The NHL’s change of meeting date conflicted with Murray’s date — with a certain woman named Geri.
Bryan Murray sent a message to his fellow general managers on Thursday. His first-round pick in next week’s NHL draft (No. 15 overall) is for sale, so start calling with the offers.
Don’t expect unrestricted free agent defenceman Filip Kuba to be back in an Ottawa Senators uniform next season.
Senators general manager Bryan Murray wants the team to free up some space for Erik Karlsson, Ottawa’s Norris Trophy candidate and offensive trigger who was held off the scoresheet and targeted physically by the New York Rangers in Game 1 of the opening playoff series.
After a season in which the team’s fans were calling for his head, Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray now gets to take credit for a remarkable turnaround.
Watch video from Scotiabank Place Monday.