Report: Sens Grant Permission to Suitors to Negotiate Extension with Karlsson

In what would seem to be a clear indication that Erik Karlsson turned down Ottawa’s contract offer yesterday, the New York Post’s Larry Brooks reported Monday night that the Sens have granted permission to negotiate an extension to teams that are interested in trading for the captain.

Senators have given interested teams permission to talk contract extension with Karlsson. Sounds as if he is looking for Doughty deal (8x11)

— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) July 2, 2018

Given that Brooks’ beat is the New York Rangers, we can probably safely assume they are one of the interested parties. As at the deadline, it is widely understood that the Las Vegas Golden Knights, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the San Jose Sharks remain interested. David Pagnotta, who has seemingly come out of nowhere recently with some serious scoops, reported that the Colorado Avalanche, New York Islanders and several others are possibilities:

Have heard COL, TB (among others) have also shown interest in Karlsson. Karlsson and Ryan each have a 10-team no-trade list.

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 2, 2018

While I’m cautious to get ahead of myself as this three-ringed circus has persisted for close to six months now, this latest development really might be the beginning of the end. Hold on to your hats, Sens fans.