Senators ink another Karlsson

Big forward Ludwig no relation to Erik

They may have the same last name, but there won’t be any mistaking Ludwig and Erik Karlsson on the ice.

The Ottawa Senators signed hulking Northeastern University Huskies forward and Stockholm native Ludwig Karlsson to a two-year, entrylevel contract Friday, and he’s already looking forward to a chance to play with the team’s diminutive Norris Trophywinning defenceman.

“I know it won’t be easy to come into an organization with my name when they already have one that is one of the best in the league, but I would love to get a chance to play with a Karlsson like that,” the 22-year-old expressed in a written exchange from Spain, where he’s vacationing with family.

Ludwig (no, no relation to Erik), who knows Senators goaltender Robin Lehner through Sweden’s national hockey program, says he’s excited to get started on the road to the NHL.

“I want to make the Ottawa Senators, that’s my main goal,” he said.

“I know it’s going to take a lot of work on my part to get to that.

“I have a lot to learn and I know this is the right spot for me to do just that.

“I’ve heard good stuff about the staff in Binghamton and I’m going to learn from them and earn a lot of experience,” he added.

“I’m aware of how important the hockey culture is in Ottawa and to their fans.”

Karlsson spent the past two seasons with the Huskies, where he scored 15 goals and 19 assists in 49 games. He led the team in scoring with 10 goals and 16 assists as a freshman before running into injury problems during his second year.

Prior to joining Northeastern, the 6-3, 200 pound forward played two seasons with the United States Hockey League’s Green Bay Gamblers. He was the team’s leading scorer in 2009-2010, when the Gamblers won the Clark Cup.

Asked to describe his game for people who haven’t seen him play, Karlsson said: “I’m a big guy that can skate and that loves to have the puck.

“I like to play fast and move the puck to my teammates and score goals.”

Karlsson has already attended two NHL development camps, joining the Nashville Predators earlier this month for a few days and skating with the Anaheim Ducks last summer.

The Senators have a history of locking up NCAA free agents, signing the likes of Jesse Winchester, Bobby Butler and Stephane Da Costa in recent years.