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NHL PLAYER, Erik Karlsson

BIOGRAPHY

Born May 31, 1990 -- Landsbro, Sweden
Selected by Ottawa Senators round 1 #15 overall 2008 NHL Entry Draft

Erik Karlsson currently plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL. Selected 15th overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2008 NHL Draft, the All-Star defenseman made his NHL debut with Ottawa in the 2009-10 season, tallying 26 points in 60 games. The Landsbro, Sweden-native has an enjoyed an illustrious career, winning the Norris Trophy on two occasions (2011-12, 2014-15). As of 2021, Karlsson has tallied 625 points (143 goals, 482 assists) in 788 games played.   

 

NEWS

ERIK KARLSSON REACHES 1,000 GAMES PLAYED MILESTONE April 13, 2024 - NHL.com

Erik Karlsson was selected 15th overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2008 draft, and 15 years and 2 different teams later, has reached the 1,000 games played milestone.

Reflecting on his NHL career, Karlsson stated “I don't think anyone, myself included, expected me to play as early as I did and be able to have the impact that I did early on when the league was very different than it is today,” he continued. “I was given an opportunity to prove myself early on, and I think did a good job achieving that".

His current and former teammates praised Karlsson for his elite skills. “Obviously he’s a game-changer, and every single time he has the puck, you know something special can happen,” Kris Letang said. “He was faster than everyone. At that point, I had never played with anybody that skated as effortlessly as he did,” Spezza said.

Karlsson is the 9th person in NHL history to have won the Norris Trophy 3 times. He is a 7-time NHL All-Star participant and was awarded the NHL First All-Star team, which honors the best performers over the season, 5 times.

 

Source: NHL.com

ERIK KARLSSON BECOMES 6TH DEFENCEMAN IN NHL HISTORY TO RECORD 100 POINT SEASON April 11, 2023 - Sportsnet

Erik Karlsson scored his 25th goal last night, and in doing so became the first defenseman in over 20 years to record 100 points in a season. Karlsson joins Brian Leetch, Paul Coffey, Bobby Orr, Al MacInnis and Denis Potvin as the only defenceman in NHL history to record 100 point seasons. The last defenceman to record 100 points was Leetch in the 1991-92 season. This season Karlsson has set a new career high in total points, beating his previous season high of 82, and doing so at the age of 32 makes him the oldest defenceman to reach the century-mark for points - a remarkable feat for the two-time Norris Trophy winner in his record-setting 14th NHL season.

 

Source: Sportsnet

Karlsson Records 9th Multi-Point Game of Season November 18, 2022 - The Score

Erik Karlsson is off to a sizzling start with nine multi-point games in 19 contests this season. 

Karlsson has scored 11 goals (5th in NHL) and 17 assists (4th in NHL), for a total of 28 points (2nd in NHL). He is tied for the second-most points for a defenseman in his team’s first 19 games since the 1989-90 season.  

The two-time Norris Trophy winner will look to continue his hot start to the season on Saturday, when the Sharks host the New York Rangers. 

Source: The Score

Karlsson named 2nd star in Sharks’ triumph January 10, 2020

Erik Karlsson tallied an assist on the game-winning goal last night, as the San Jose Sharks held on to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets, 3-1. The standout defenseman was excellent at both ends of the rink in the win, registering a team-high 26:23 of ice-time while adding 5 shots on net, 2 blocked shots and 2 takeaways. The Swedish-native is currently on a four-game point streak that has seen him tally 1 goal and 4 assists.

For more on last night’s game, keep reading the nhl.com story here.

 

 

 

Karlsson guides San Jose to big win November 13, 2019

Erik Karlsson was named the 1st star of th game last night, as the San Jose Sharks steamrolled the Edmonton Oilers, 6-3. The all-world defenseman was excellent at both the offensive and defensive ends of the ice in the win, tallying 3 assists, 3 blocked shots and a +3 rating in 22:34 of ice-time.  

For more on Karlsson and last night’s game, check out the nhl.com story here.

Karlsson re-signs with Sharks June 18, 2019

Erik Karlsson and the San Jose Sharks came to terms on a new, eight-year contract on Monday. The 29-year-old defenseman was integral to the Sharks latest playoff push that saw them reach the West Conference Final. In his first season with San Jose, he tallied 45 points (3 goals, 42 assists) in 53 regular season games, and 16 points (2 goals, 14 assists) in 19 Stanley Cup Playoff games.  

For more on Karlsson, check out the nhl.com story here.      

Karlsson shines in crucial Sharks’ win May 16, 2019

Erik Karlsson was named the 1st star of the game last night, as the San Jose Sharks defeated the St. Louis Blues 5-4 in overtime, taking a 2-1 series lead in the process. The All-star defenseman scored two goals in the contest – including the overtime game winner – and would go on to finish the game with a +2 rating, 4 shots on net and 27:51 of ice-time. The Swedish star currently sits 1st in points by a defenseman with 15, and his 13 assists leads all players in the Stanley Cup Playoffs to date.

For more on Karlsson and last night’s game, check out the nhl.com article here

 

Karlsson guides Sharks in epic comeback win April 24, 2019

Erik Karlsson tallied 2 points last night – including an assist on the overtime, game-winning goal, as the San Jose Sharks came from behind to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights, 5-4. Down 3-0 in the 3rd period, the Swedish superstar defenseman registered an assist on Tomas Hertl’s goal that made the game 3-2, before eventually providing the key assist on the overtime winner. He would finish the game with 2 points, 5 shots on net, 4 blocked shots in 33:46 of ice time.  

For more on last night’s game, check out the nhl.com story here.   

Hertl and Karlsson keep Sharks alive April 19, 2019

Tomas Hertl and Erik Karlsson were named the first and second stars, respectively, last night, as the San Jose Sharks defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2, forcing a Game 6 back in Las Vegas. Hertl tallied 2 goals in the contest, won 62% of his faceoffs, and led the Sharks with 5 shots on net. Karlsson, meanwhile, added two more assists to his Stanley Cup Playoff totals (he currently leads the NHL with 7 assists), and finished the game with a +3 rating, 3 shots on net and 3 hits.  

For more on last night’s game, check out the nhl.com story here.   

Karlsson named 1st star in Sharks’ win January 08, 2019

Erik Karlsson assisted on all 3 of his team’s goals last night, as the San Jose Sharks defeated state-rival the Los Angeles Kings, 3-1. The superstar defenseman finished the game with 3 points, 5 shots on net and a team-high, 27:34 of ice-time logged. The native of Landsbro, Sweden is currently in the midst of an incredible,13-game point streak, in which he has tallied 22 points (1 goal, 21 assists).

For more on Karlsson and last night’s game, check out the nhl.com story here

 

Karlsson shines in Sharks’ debut September 28, 2018

Making his first appearance in a San Jose Sharks’ uniform, Erik Karlsson did not disappoint, tallying an assist in a 4-3 loss to the Calgary Flames last night. The newly acquired superstar played over 25 minutes in his debut; showcasing his versatility by featuring prominently on both the power play and penalty kill. The All-world defenseman is coming off a season that saw him tally nearly a point per game, registering 9 goals and 53 assists in just 71 games played.

For more on Karlsson and last night’s game, check out the nhl.com story here.

 

 

 

Sharks’ addition of Karlsson makes them a Stanley Cup contender September 21, 2018

As the dust settles on one of the biggest trades of the summer, The San Jose Sharks find themselves in a great position following the acquisition of Erik Karlsson.  Known primarily for his world-class offensive acumen, the two-time Norris Trophy winner has taken his game to a whole new level over the last few seasons, making him a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the ice. Whether it’s from a power play standpoint or 5-on-5, the Swedish star will provide a huge boost to San Jose’s overall play on the ice, making them one of the dynamic teams to watch in 2018-19.

For more on Karlsson, check out the nhl.com story here

Blockbuster trade lands Karlsson in San Jose September 13, 2018

Erik Karlsson will continue his stellar career with the San Jose Sharks, after being traded by the Ottawa Senators for four players and four draft picks. The 28-year-old superstar has been a dominant player in the league since joining the Senators’ starting lineup back in 2009. Over the course of the last 9 seasons, the defenseman has tallied an incredible 518 points in 627 games played, while earning four Norris Trophy nominations (winning twice) and four NHL First Team All-star nods.

For more on Karlsson, keep reading the nhl.com story here

 

Karlsson leads Senators’ to win versus Lightning March 14, 2018

Erik Karlsson tallied a goal and an assist last night, guiding the Ottawa Senators to a 7-4 victory over Eastern Conference leaders the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Norris Trophy-winning defenseman has been instrumental in Ottawa’s back-to-back wins this week, registering 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) and a +3 rating in that span. The Landsbro-native is currently on pace for his 6th straight season of 60 points or more. He currently sits in 3rd among NHL defensemen in points (54) and 2nd in assists (46).

For more on Karlsson and last night’s game, keep reading the nhl.com recap here

Karlsson helps Senators bounce back February 02, 2018

Erik Karlsson scored the overtime-winning goal last night, helping the Ottawa Senators end a 6-game losing streak with a 2-1 defeat of the Anaheim Ducks. The two-time Norris Trophy winner would eventually go on to be named the first star of the contest, after registering 2 points, 3 shots on net, 3 blocks and game-high 28:35 of ice time logged. The Landsbro, Sweden-native currently sits 8th overall among defensemen in points (34), 4th in assists (29) and 3rd in TOI/GP (26:24).

For more on last night’s game, keep reading the nhl.com recap here

Karlsson named 2nd star in Senators’ win November 13, 2017

Erik Karlsson continued his incredible start to the season on Saturday, tallying two more assists in the Ottawa Senators’ 4-3 defeat of the Colorado Avalanche in Sweden. The Swedish superstar has been on an offensive tear to begin the year, averaging well over a point per game (1.55 points/game) in his first 11 games. In that span, the 27-year-old defenseman has 17 points, including six games in which he has recorded 2 or more assists.

For more on Karlsson and Saturday’s game, keep reading the nhl.com story here.

 

Karlsson provides spark in Senators' victory October 27, 2017

Erik Karlsson was named the 3rd star last night, as the Ottawa Senators held on for a 5-4 win versus the Philadelphia Flyers. The 27-year-old superstar defenseman has been in excellent form since coming back from offseason surgery, tallying an impressive 8 assists in his first 5 games of the season. The Landsbro-native is coming off a 2016-17 campaign that saw him expand his game, blocking a career-high 201 shots, good for 2nd overall in the NHL.

For more on Karlsson and last night’s game, check out the nhl.com article here

Karlsson is much more than offensive dynamo August 21, 2017

Erik Karlsson may be known mostly for being the top offensive defenseman in the NHL, but what gets overlooked by most is his abilities on the defensive end of the ice. Proof is in the pudding: in the last 3 seasons, the Swedish star ranked 3rd in ice-time at even strength (21:58), 10th in the league in blocked shots (465), and averaged 1:19 per game on the penalty kill.

For more on Karlsson, keep reading the nhl.com story here

Karlsson’s goliath performance almost propels Sens’ to Stanley Cup Finals May 26, 2017

The Ottawa Senators came up just a hair short in their bid to become Stanley Cup finalists last night, but even the loss, Erik Karlsson once again proved he was on of the NHL’s best players. The Swedish superstar was a tower of power on the Senators’ blue line, playing nearly 40 minutes in the contest while assisting on both of his team’s goals. For the playoffs, the 26-year-old registered 18 points in 19 games, a +13 rating, and two game-winning goals.

For more on Karlsson, keep reading the yahoo.com article here

Stone and Karlsson propel Senators into Conference Finals May 10, 2017

Mark Stone and Erik Karlsson both scored last night, as the Ottawa Senators defeated the New York Rangers 4-2, booking their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals. Stone has found the back of the net four times in the 2017 NHL Playoffs, including 3 goals versus the New York Rangers alone. In the series-clinching win, the Winnipeg-native also tallied an assist, 2 shots on net and a +2 rating. Karlsson, meanwhile, was eventually named the 1st star of the contest, adding an assist, 3 shots on net, 3 blocked shots, and a game-high +4 rating.

For more on last night’s game, keep reading the nhl.com story here

Karlsson paces Senators to big win over Rangers May 08, 2017

Erik Karlsson helped the Ottawa Senators come from behind to defeat the New York Rangers on Saturday, assisting on the game-tying and game-winning goals in the victory. The Swedish superstar would go on to finish the game with a game-high 3 assists and 31:09 of ice time. For the playoffs, Karlsson leads all defensemen in points (11) and assists (10), and is second in TOI/GP (28:57).

For more on Saturday’s contest, keep reading the nhl.com recap here

Karlsson comes up big in Round 2 opener April 28, 2017

Erik Karlsson was one of the heroes last night, scoring the winning goal late in the 3rd period in the Ottawa Senators’ 2-1 victory over the New York Rangers.The All-world defenseman went on to be named the 2nd star of the contest after leading all skaters in ice-time (28:54) and shots on net (5). The Swedish star currently leads the 2017 Playoffs in TOI/GP (30:11) and points by a defenseman (7).

For more on Karlsson and last night’s game, keep reading the nhl.com story here

Ryan and Karlsson help Senators stave off disaster April 18, 2017

Bobby Ryan played the hero last night, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime as the Ottawa Senators defeated the Boston Bruins, 4-3. After watching Boston come back from a 3-0 deficit, Ryan and Karlsson hooked up for the overtime winner 5:43 into the extra period. Ryan went on to be named the 2nd star of the contest, while Karlsson would go on to register a game-high 30:15 of ice-time.

For more on last night’s game, keep reading the nhl.com story here.

Karlsson helps end Senators’ losing streak April 05, 2017

Erik Karlsson scored for a third consecutive game last night, guiding the Ottawa Senators to an important, 2-0 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. With the Senators needing a win to all but lock up a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference, the 26-year-old All-star came through in the clutch, scoring his 5th game-winning goal of the season. He would eventually go on to be named the 2nd star of the contest. Despite the team’s losing streak, Karlsson has been in excellent form down the stretch, tallying 3 goals, 3 assists and a +4 rating in his last 6 games.

For more on Karlsson and last night’s game, keep reading the nhl.com story here

Karlsson has taken game to whole new level March 17, 2017

Since breaking into the league in 2009, Erik Karlsson has accomplished almost everything you can hope for as an NHL defenseman. He has been selected to the All-star game on four occasions, and been named the top defenseman of the year (Norris Trophy) twice. Despite that success, the 26-year-old Swede has not stopped improving his game, specifically on the defensive end of the ice.

In 2016-17, Karlsson leads the league in blocked shots with 185, something that he has been working on for the last 2 years.  And despite being known for his offensive attributes (he currently leads the Senators in points with 63), the superstar D-man is being relied on in much more defensive situations this year, including 2 minutes per game on the penalty kill.

For more on Karlsson, keep reading the sportsnet.ca story here

Karlsson awarded with 3rd Star of the Week honours March 13, 2017

Erik Karlsson was named the 3rd star of the week on Monday, after leading all defensemen in points with 6 (2 goals, 4 assists). The Norris Trophy-winning D-man has been integral to the Ottawa Senators recent six-game winning streak, tallying 3 goals, 4 assists and a plus/minus rating of +8 in that span. The Landsbro, Sweden-native has averaged nearly a point per game this season, registering 62 points (13 goals, 49 assists) in 67 games.

For more on Karlsson, keep reading the nhl.com story here

Phaneuf and Karlsson bolster attack in win March 07, 2017

Defensemen Dion Phaenuf and Erik Karlsson were named the 1st and 2nd stars respectively last night, in the Ottawa Senators 4-2 defeat of Atlantic Division rival, the Boston Bruins. Phaneuf tallied his 18th and 19th assists in the victory, and he would go on to finish the game with 3 hits and a blocked shot. Karlsson also registered two assists in the contest, along with 3 shots on net, 4 block shots and a +2 rating.

For more on last night’s game, keep reading the nhl.com story here

Stone and Karlsson provide the offense in Sens’ romp February 03, 2017

Mark Stone was named the first star and Erik Karlsson tallied 3 assists, as Ottawa went on to defeat their Atlantic Division rival Tampa Bay by a score of 5-2. Stone scored his team leading 17th and 18th goals of the season, and added an assist for good measure. Karlsson, meanwhile, boosted his assist total to 36 for the season, placing him 3rd in the NHL in that category.

For more on last night’s game, keep reading the nhl.com article here

Stone and Karlsson rise to the occasion in win November 23, 2016

Mark Stone tallied a goal and two assists while Erik Karlsson scored the winning goal, as the Ottawa Senators defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 last night.  Down 3-2 early in the 3rd period, Stone pulled the Senators back even with his 4th goal of the season. Karlsson went on to score the winner two minutes later, capping the late-game comeback. The Swedish superstar finished the game with 2 points, a +3 rating and 6 blocked shots.

For more on last night’s game, keep reading the nhl.com story here

Karlsson shines in Senators’ season opener October 13, 2016

Erik Karlsson was in midseason form last night, as the Ottawa Senators pulled out a 5-4, overtime win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Swedish star was a force on both sides of the ice in the contest. Offensively, he registered a goal, two assists and a game-high eight shots on net, while defensively he blocked three shots and finished the game with a +3 rating. The All-star defenseman also led all skaters in ice-time with 27:36.

For more on Karlsson and last night’s game, keep reading the ottawacitizen.com story here

Karlsson becoming a bona fide leader September 06, 2016

Superstar defenseman Erik Karlsson is known for his exciting, up-tempo offensive style, but you can now add respected veteran to his impressive resume. The two-time Norris Trophy winner has matured quickly in 7 NHL seasons, so much so that he was named captain of the Ottawa Senators back in 2014. It probably comes as no surprise then, at his nomination of alternate captain for Team Sweden at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. The 26-year-old will be expected to log big minutes for his country in the upcoming tournament, and be a leader on and off the ice.

For more on Karlsson, check out the nhl.com story here

Karlsson ready for exciting new tournament August 24, 2016

Erik Karlsson is looking forward to the 2016 World Cup of Hockey this September, the new eight-team tournament that will pit hockey’s best against each other. The All-Star defenseman will be heading back to Sweden this weekend, where he and his teammates will begin a rigorous training camp. Despite the added workload to his offseason routine, the 26-year-old is not shying away from the challenge, and is excited to play in tournament with a brand new format.

For more on Karlsson and the World Cup of Hockey, check out the nhl.com story here

Karlsson and Doughty among Norris Trophy finalists June 20, 2016

Erik Karlsson and Drew Doughty have been selected as 2 of the 3 finalists for this year’s Norris Trophy, handed out to the “defensive player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in that position." Karlsson was the offensive standout of the group, leading all defensemen in points (82) and placing 1st overall among all skaters in assists with 66. Doughty placed 9th among D-men in scoring with 51 points but his real strength was on the defensive end of the ice, where he led the Los Angeles Kings to the 3rd best goals allowed mark in the league.

For more on the Norris Trophy battle, check out the nhl.com story here

Karlsson leads the charge in Sens’ win April 01, 2016

Erik Karlsson scored a goal and added an assist last night, in the Ottawa Senators 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild. The 25-year-old dynamo went on to be named the first star of the contest. The Swedish superstar is 4th in the NHL in points with 78, which ties his career-high set in 2011-12. He currently leads the league in assists with 63 and ice time per game (29:03).

For more on Karlsson and last night’s game, check out the nhl.com story here

Karlsson wins it in overtime March 16, 2016

Erik Karlsson has been one of the best players in the NHL this year, and he proved it again on Tuesday, scoring the winning goal in Ottawa’s 3-2, overtime victory over the Minnesota Wild.  The Swedish superstar also added an assist in the contest, making him the 3rd highest point-getter in the league with 73. The three-time NHL All-star currently leads the league in assists (60) and ice time per game (29:07), making him the odds on favorite for what would be his 3rd Norris Trophy award.

For more on last night’s game, check out the nhl.com story here.

Karlsson earns one of NHL’s "3 Stars” February 08, 2016

Erik Karlsson continued his torrid start to the season, claiming 2nd star of the week honours on Monday. The frontrunner for the Norris Trophy led the NHL in assists last week, tallying 7 in just 3 games. Through 53 games, the offensive dynamo already has 49 assists, putting him on pace for the most assists by a defenseman in nearly 25 years. Overall, the Swedish star currently ranks 2nd among all players in scoring, with 59 points (11 goals, 48 assists).

For more on Karlsson, check out the nhl.com story here.

Karlsson putting together a season for the ages January 18, 2016

No defenceman has won the Hart Trophy since the 1999-2000 season, but with the way Erik Karlsson is playing, that could change this year. Listed as the frontrunner for the Norris Trophy in most publications, the Senators’ star D-man is making a strong case for more silverware this season. Currently ranked 4th overall in points (46) and 1st in ice-time per game (28:39), the Swedish dynamo is almost single-handedly keeping his team close in a tight, Atlantic Division playoff race.

For more on Karlsson, check out the thehockeynews.com story here

Karlsson and Doughty lead Norris Trophy hopefuls January 11, 2016

As the NHL gears up for the second half of the season, Erik Karlsson and Drew Doughty have distinguished themselves as frontrunners for the Norris Trophy.  Karlsson has been far and away the best offensive D-man in 2015-16, leading all defensemen in points (45) and assists (36).  The Swedish superstar also leads the way in ice-time, averaging 28:35 per contest. Doughty meanwhile has been integral to the Los Angeles Kings return to supremacy in the Western Conference. The 26-year-old defensive stalwart currently ranks 1st in shifts per game (34) and 3rd in ice-time (27:59), plus/minus (+16), and game winning goals (3).

For more on Karlsson and Doughty, check out the nhl.com article here

Karlsson keys big Senators’ comeback December 07, 2015

Erik Karlsson put in a Norris Trophy-type performance on Saturday night, leading Ottawa to a 3-2, overtime victory over the New York Islanders. Down 2-0 in the 3rd period, the Swedish star assisted on both of his team’s goals to tie the game, before scoring the game winner in overtime. He would go on to finish the game with a Herculean 32:41 of ice time, along with a plus/minus rating of +3.

For more on Saturday’s game, check out the nhl.com story here

Karlsson keeps streak alive in Sens’ win November 26, 2015

 Erik Karlsson recorded an assist in the Ottawa Senators’ 5-3 victory over the Colorado Avalanche last night, extending his point streak to 8 straight games. The Swedish star has recorded 12 points in that timeframe, including 5 goals and 6 power play points. The perennial Norris Trophy nominee currently leads all defenseman in points with 24, and is ranked in the top 5 in a plethora of categories which include ice time per game (26:50), assists (24), and power play points (9).

For more on Karlsson, keep reading the nhl.com story here

Karlsson does it all in Senators’ win November 20, 2015

Erik Karlsson was named the first star last night, guiding his team to a 3-0 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 25-year-old defenseman scored 2 goals and added an assist in the contest, while leading all skaters in ice time (30:44) and shots on net (7). The Swedish dynamo has been on a tear offensively of late, tallying five goals and four assists in his last five games.

For more on last night’s game, keep reading the nhl.com post here

Karlsson and Zibanejad lead the way in Sens’ romp October 15, 2015

Erik Karlsson had four assists and Mika Zibanejad scored the winning goal, as the Ottawa Senators came from behind to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets, 7-3. Down 3-2, Ottawa scored 5 unanswered goals, including Zibanejad's winner late on in the second period.  The Swedish-born forward also added two assists in the match, and went on to be named the third star of the contest.  Karlsson meanwhile was named the first star after leading his team in ice-time (22:37) and leading all skaters in points (4) and plus/minus rating (+4).

For more on the Senators’ victory, check out the nhl.com recap here

Karlsson wins a hotly contested, 2nd Norris trophy June 26, 2015

Erik Karlsson managed to fend off both Drew Doughty and P.K. Subban on Wednesday night, capturing his 2nd career Norris Trophy in the process.  He becomes just the third player in NHL history to win two Norris trophies before the age of 26, joining hall-of-famers Booby Orr and Denis Potvin.  The Swedish dynamo received 964 votes, just ahead of fellow D-men Drew Doughty (889) and P.K. Subban (801).

For more on Karlsson, check out the nhl.com piece here

Karlsson poised to snag 2nd Norris Trophy June 23, 2015

With a second Norris Trophy win in his sights, Erik Karlsson will be looking to enter into some elite company at the 2015 NHL Awards tomorrow. With the win, the 25-year-old dynamo would join a select group of 12 defensemen who have won the award twice.  After finishing the 2014-15 season first in points (66), second in both goals (21) and assists (45), and third in ice time (27:15) among D-men, the Swedish-born star appears to be the front-runner for the award.

For more on Karlsson, check out the senshot.com article here

Karlsson lights up Habs with three-point performance March 13, 2015

Erik Karlsson was named the 1st star last night, as the Ottawa Senators pulled away from the Montreal Canadiens in the 3rd period, winning by a score of 5-2.  The Swedish star was a dominant presence in the contest, scoring two goals and assisting on another. He has also been front and center in the Senators’ resurgence in the Eastern Conference, tallying an impressive 17 points (6 goals, 11 assists) in his last 15 games.

For more on Karlsson, check out the ottawacitizen.com post here

Karlsson stays hot in Senators’ win February 20, 2015

Erik Karlsson recorded a pair of assists Wednesday night, as the Ottawa Senators sneaked by the Montréal Canadiens by a score of 4-2.  The Senators’ captain also led his team in ice time (26:59) and went on to be named the 3rd star of the contest. The offensive defenseman has been on a tear of late, with 9 points (1 goal, 8 assists) in his last five games.

For more on the Senators’ win, check out the nhl.com story here

Karlsson named 2nd star of the week January 26, 2015

Erik Karlsson garnered himself 2nd star of the week honours (January 18-25) today, after leading the Ottawa Senators to three out of four points in that time frame. The 2012 Norris Trophy winner was in fine form in the Senators’ two games, scoring three times -- including a game-winner – while averaging 5 shots and over 25 minutes of ice time per contest. The offensive defenseman has been an electric performer of late, with 4 goals and 6 assists in his 11 games.

For more on Karlsson, keep reading the ottawasun.com article here

Karlsson clutch in Senators’ win January 22, 2015

Erik Karlsson sent the Ottawa Senators into the All-star break on a high note, Wednesday, scoring twice – including the game-winner – in a 4-3 win over their provincial rivals the Toronto Maple Leafs. The two-time All-star was in top form last night, adding 6 shots, 3 hits and 2 blocked shots to the scoresheet. The offensive defenseman has been hot of late, scoring 4 goals in his last three games.

For more on Karlsson and the Senators’ victory, check out the nhl.com recap here

Karlsson named Senators' new captain October 02, 2014

All-star defenseman Erik Karlsson was named the Ottawa Senators captain today, making him the 9th captain in the team’s 22-year history.  The Swedish dynamo has been a key component of the team’s success since he arrived in 2009, quickly becoming one of the top offensive D-man in the NHL. Besides leading the league in defenseman scoring on two occasions, Karlsson was named the recipient of the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2012, the award given to the best defenseman in the league.

For more on Karlsson’s captaincy, keep reading the cbssports.com article here

Karlsson a candidate for team captaincy August 19, 2014

With the Ottawa Senators entering the season in search of a captain, Erik Karlsson is ready to be the man if called upon.  In spite of the team struggling mightily in 2013-14, the 24-year-old D-man more than proved his worth, leading the team in assists (54), points (74), shots (257) and ice time (27:04).  Another good sign was the fact that he played all 82 games. The Swedish star went into last season as a bit of question mark, having suffered a scary Achilles tendon injury the year before.

For more on Karlsson, keep reading the nhl.com article here.

Lundqvist and Karlsson help Sweden edge Finland February 21, 2014

Henrik Lundqvist stopped 25 of 26 shots and Erik Karlsson scored the winning goal, as the Swedes beat the Finns, 2-1.  After giving up the opening goal in the second period, Lundqvist shut down the hard-pressing Finns the rest of the way. On the offensive side of the ice, Karlsson was the story once again, beating the Finnish netminder with a well-placed wrist shot for the game-winning goal.  It was the superstar defenseman’s 4th goal and 8th point of the tourney, putting him in a tie for 1st overall in scoring.

For more on today’s semifinal clash, keep reading the espn.com article here.

Karlsson helps Sweden qualify in top spot February 17, 2014

Team Sweden defeated Latvia 5-3 on Saturday, giving them the No.1 seed in the upcoming knockout phase, which begins on Tuesday.  Erik Karlsson was once again a big part of the Swedish attack, adding a goal and an assist to his already stellar performance in the Olympics thus far.  Through three games, the 2012 Norris Trophy winner has two goals and three assists, good for 3rd overall in scoring.

For more on Karlsson and Saturday game, keep reading the nhl.com recap here.

Karlsson, Lundqvist guide Swedes to win February 13, 2014

Playing in his very first Olympic Games, Erik Karlsson did not disappoint, Wednesday, scoring twice in a 4-2 victory over the Czech Republic.  The native of Landsbro, Sweden led all skaters in shots (4) and +/- rating (+2). Meanwhile, Henrik Lundqvist was solid in the Swedish net, stopping 27 of the 29 shots he faced.

For more on yesterday’s game, keep reading the espn.com recap here.

Karlsson stars in Senators 4-3 loss January 24, 2014

Erik Karlsson was named the 2nd star in a losing effort, Thursday, as the Ottawa Senators fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning, 4-3. The Swedish-born defenseman put in a tour de force performance, scoring a goal and adding an assist while taking 5 shots on net. The talented rearguard also logged an impressive 34:45 of ice-time, his highest total of the year.

For more on last night’s game, keep reading the senatorsextra.com story here.

Karlsson leads the Sens to victory December 24, 2013

The Ottawa Senators closed out the first half of the season with a commanding 5-0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins last night.  2012 Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson was in top form, scoring a goal and adding two assists. He would go on to be named the first star of the match.  Despite the Senators up-and-down season to date, Karlsson has not missed a beat.  He currently leads all NHL defenseman in both goals (10) and points (37).

For more on Karlsson and last night’s win, keep reading the nhl.com recap here.

Swedish Duo lead Sens past Blue Jackets November 06, 2013

With starting goalie Craig Anderson sitting out due to a stiff neck, Robin Lehner put in an excellent performance, Tuesday, stopping 32 of 33 shots en route to a 4-1 victory. The product of Gothenburg, Sweden was named the first star of the game.  The 2nd star was Erik Karlsson, who was also a force to be reckoned with on the night. The Landsbro, Sweden-native led all skaters in goals (2), shots on goal (7), and ice-time (26:16).  Karlsson currently leads the league in goals (6) and points (17) by a defenseman.

For more on last night’s game, check out the espn.com recap here.

Karlsson, Ryan star in Senators win October 18, 2013

After starting the season on the road, the Ottawa Senators made the most of their home opener, winning 5-2 over the New Jersey Devils. Erik Karlsson and Bobby Ryan put the game out of reach early, both scoring within the first 7 minutes of play.  Karlsson finished the game with a goal and two assists, along with a +3 rating. Ryan had a goal and an assist, and was named 3rd star of the contest.

For more on the Senators win, keep reading the ottawacitizen.com piece here.

Bobby Ryan scores in 1st preseason game; Karlsson solid September 16, 2013

It did not take long for Bobby Ryan to make an impression on his new teammates. Playing in his first preseason game for the Ottawa Senators, the Cherry Hill, New Jersey-native scored the winning goal in a 3-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. The new No.1 line of Ryan, Spezza and Michalek made an impressive debut, participating in two of the three Senator goals. Erik Karlsson also looked good, playing over 26 minutes and registering two assists.

For more on Ryan and Karlsson, keep reading the montrealgazette.com article here.

Erik Karlsson looks to be fit and ready for training camp August 14, 2013

Despite dealing with a bit of an adjustment period, Erik Karlsson is confident he will be 100% recovered from his Achilles tendon surgery when the Senators training camp rolls around in September.  After making a remarkable return to action at the end of last season, the Norris Trophy-winning defenseman has been working hard to stay in shape as he makes his way back from the devastating injury.

For more on Karlsson’s return to form, keep reading the sportsnet.ca post here.  

Erik Karlsson becoming a polarizing star in Canada’s capital May 30, 2013

In the span of just 4 seasons, the Swedish-born defenseman has almost single-handedly changed the hockey culture in Ottawa. It is rare to encounter a superstar with a personality to boot, but this is exactly what we have with Erik Karlsson, a player who is turning heads for all the right reasons.

Drafted 15th overall in the 2008 Entry Draft, Karlsson’s ascension to stardom did not happen over night.  He spent 2008-09 plying his trade with Frölunda in the Elitserien (Sweden’s top league), and after making the Senators squad out of training camp in 2009, was sent down to Binghamton shortly after.  This stint in the minors did not last long however, and his return to the big club on November 27th would be for good.

The rest, as they say, is history. Karlsson has quickly become a 2-way defensive force, and has the stats to back it up. His numbers climbed dramatically in three straight seasons, from 26 points in his rookie season, to 78 in his third. He would be crowned the Norris Trophy winner in that campaign as well.

But there is more to this 22-year-old phenom than meets the eye. There is a swagger and comedic flair—and style too—that have bubbled up to the surface over the last couple of years, taking his superstar status to a whole new level.

For more on Karlsson and his rise to prominence in the country’s capital, keep reading Shannon Proudfoot’s article here.

 

 


Karlsson, Nyquist lead respective teams to victory May 03, 2013

Erik Karlsson continued to prove that he is a hugely important cog in the Ottawa Senators squad, after scoring the opening goal and assisting on another in the team’s 4-2 victory. Elsewhere, Gustav Nyquist scored the OT winner For the Detroit Red Wings, who survived a late flurry by the Anaheim Ducks that forced extra time.

It was a tour de force performance for Karlsson in the Ottawa victory, as he led his team in practically every category, including ice time, shots on net, and +/-.  The product of Landsbro, Sweden has seemingly not missed a beat since returning from what looked to be a season ending injury. He has played at least 27:00 in his last four games, scoring once and adding five assists in the process.

For more on the Senators victory, read the TSN article here

In the Detroit/Anaheim affair, Gustav Nyquist saved his Red Wings side from what would have been an agonizing defeat. Leading 4-1 with 12 minutes left in the 3rd, the Ducks scored three goals to force extra time. The Wings would benefit from a late period power play however, and just 1:21 into overtime Nyquist ended the contest with a neat finish in the slot.

For more on this story, keep reading the ESPN article here.

Karlsson returns to ice in Senators victory April 26, 2013

In a season of ups and downs, it could not have been scripted much better for the Ottawa Senators. Having lost their last two games, the team needed a boost.  It came in the form of defending Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson, and he brought the goods, chipping in two assists in over 27 minutes of ice time.

The Senators, who needed a point to qualify for the playoffs, got that and more, winning the game in overtime on a Sergei Gonchar blast. It was set up by Karlsson, who was playing his first game in 2 ½ months, having made a miraculous return from a torn Achilles tendon.

"I would have been happy if I sat in the stands and we would have won this game, as well, I think, and that's the main goal," Karlsson said. "I'm going to have to work on my stuff, and as long as this team keeps winning, I'm going to be happy."

Karlsson’s return could not have been much timelier. With two games left to play in the regular season, the all-star D-man will have a chance to get into game shape, with the playoffs beginning next week. As it stands, the Senators would take on the very same Capitals, whom they have beaten in all three matches this campaign.

The Senator star assessed his performance:

"I felt OK," Karlsson said. "Did battle some issues out there, and didn't feel quite as comfortable as I used to, but overall I think it was a solid game. I still have to work through some mistakes and clean those up."

The coach was a bit more complementary:

"Obviously, our team was a different team with him on the ice, and the things that he can do that others can't do. He's a very special player," Senators coach Paul MacLean said about Karlsson. "He's done, obviously, a ton of work."

Whatever the case may be, Karlsson’s game can only improve by the beginning of the playoffs next week, which surely has Senators fans excited.

After last night's performance, it is pretty clear his teammates are, too!

Senators' Karlsson sees recovery on the horizon March 26, 2013 – Ottawa, Ontario - TSN, Associated Press

OTTAWA -- Erik Karlsson sees a light at the end of the tunnel.

Karlsson, who saw his season with the Ottawa Senators come to an end Feb. 13 after having his Achilles tendon cut by Pittsburgh's Matt Cooke, spoke on Monday during the first intermission of the Senators game against the New Jersey Devils.

"It's going well," said Karlsson of his recovery. "Baby steps, but overall it's been feeling pretty good ever since it happened and I can feel it's going forward.

"I think I'm on schedule. Every day is different and we are where we are right now and there's been no real setbacks or anything like that so it's going forward all the time. It's just going to take a lot of time and a lot of patience to get 100 per cent again."

For more on this story, click here.

Source: TSN, Associated Press