Erik Karlsson’s next move could send him back to Ontario, but not in the way Ottawa Senators fans would want.
On the latest episode of 32 Thoughts the Podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said a source of his predicted that the former Senators defenceman could land with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2026-27 season.
Friedman laid out the idea this way: "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."
The suggestion is an eye-opener for Ottawa supporters, especially since Karlsson would be joining the Senators’ biggest rival and adding another former franchise icon to that side of the provincial divide. Daniel Alfredsson already left that kind of sting behind, and this would hit the same nerve all over again.
There is still plenty of uncertainty attached to the prediction. Friedman said it depends on how both clubs’ seasons unfold, which leaves room for the idea to fall apart if things go sideways for the Pittsburgh Penguins or the Maple Leafs.
And even if the fit looks obvious on paper, there are hurdles. Toronto is looking for help on the blue line, but taking on Karlsson’s cap hit would be a major commitment.
It also helps that Karlsson holds the cards here. With a no-movement clause, he can block or approve any trade, including one to Toronto.
That makes the whole thing more hypothetical than inevitable. Karlsson could still choose to return to Ottawa next off-season, or even sooner if he decides the Nations Capital is where he wants to land rather than anywhere else in the league, Toronto included.
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