Ottawa return will be ‘weird’ for Karlsson

BUFFALO — Erik Karlsson tells a small group of reporters waiting near his locker that the only topic they really want to discuss — his impending return to Ottawa as a member of the San Jose Sharks later this week — is off limits.

“When I go up there, I’ll talk about it,” the former Senators defenceman says politely. “I won’t talk about it now.”

But pressed gently about what will no doubt be a raucous welcome Saturday afternoon in the nation’s capital, Karlsson briefly opens up.

“Going back to Ottawa will be special,” the 28-year-old shared Monday following practice at Buffalo’s KeyBank Center. “It’s going to be different and weird.

“We’ll see what type of emotions there will be when the day comes.” There are sure to be plenty. Traded to San Jose at the start of training camp in an eight-player blockbuster deal that brought an end to months-long speculation about the two-time Norris Trophy winner’s future, Karlsson was a fan favourite in Ottawa for the better part of a decade.

“It’s been a big adjustment,” he said of relocating to northern California. “It’s taking some time, it’s still taking some time, but I’ve been enjoying my time. I’ve been getting as much help as I possibly can.”

The 15th overall pick in the 2008 draft went from skinny unknown teenager to superstar in Ottawa, registering 126 goals and 392 assists for 518 points in 627 regular-season games.