Karlsson says nigh to old friends

OTTAWA—“The time is nigh” for Erik Karlsson’s return to Canadian Tire Centre.

On the eve of Karlsson’s first game in Ottawa as an opposing player — sure to be an emotional affair — the star defenceman opened his news conference with a bit of levity. On Wednesday, Karlsson walked away from a media scrum in Toronto when a reporter used the phrase “the time is nigh” in reference to his impending return to Ottawa, but he got a laugh from reporters by turning it around as his opening statement on Friday.

Ottawa’s former captain and face of the franchise was traded to San Jose — a move once thought unthinkable — at the start of training camp in an eight-player deal that finally put an end to months of speculation regarding Karlsson’s future with the Senators. The reality of the stunning development will sink in further Saturday night when Karlsson and the Sharks take on the Senators.

Despite a disappointing end to his nine-year tenure in Ottawa, Karlsson says he has no regrets.

“None. I’ve had a great time here,” the two-time Norris Trophy winner said. “I came here as a young boy. I spent my entire adult life here … I loved it and had a great time and looking back I don’t think I would change anything. They made me who I am today and I’m thankful for that.”

The relationship began to unravel a year ago when the Swedish defenceman said he wouldn’t give the team a hometown discount when negotiating a new contract.

The Senators made Karlsson a contract offer July 1, but in Karlsson’s opinion the offer was purely for optics.

Through 26 games with the Sharks, Karlsson has two goals and 13 assists.