The Erik "Kid" Karlsson appreciation thread

[marakh]

Simple, Dude needs a thread on his own.
A rookie leading the team in ice time is something else, probably a 1st in Sens history?

The next step is probably how he adjusts himself when the other teams are gonna focus more and more on him.
Then after that it's the playoffs, then the sophomore slump that won't happen.

I still want to see him more on the PP, but I think Alfie is fine there for now, and it's working.

EDIT: Just wanted to point out also that, every game it seems like it's his best game to date. As McGUire said, "he's just scratching the surface"

[SpezDispenser]

Love this kid. He's literally just beginning too. I'm not sure the sophomore slump will apply because he'll only finish with 20 points max, so he'll be improving on his point totals, while hopefully adding some weight and experience. I could be wrong, but next year might be more like this year - but from Game 1

[asq2]

It's his defence that's really been impressing me lately. KRM (great HF poster for Swedes) had written at the start of the 2008-2009 season that Karlsson's defence reminded him of Lidstrom in regards to his stickwork and hounding of opposition players in the defensive zone. Obviously the positioning part will emerge more with time, as will size and, eventually, open-ice hitting.

He's been getting some tough assignments recently, like Gaborik (for a few shifts) and Malkin, and flourishing.

Obviously not much needs to be said about his puck-movement and offensive game in general. No Sens defenceman has ever come close to the panache that he plays with.

It's definitely going to be exciting to watch him develop and watching the three-headed monster emerge with Cowen and Wiercioch. Hopefully we can get him locked up long, long-term.

I wish he had a nickname that didn't bring back memories of HB though (EK). Erik the Red works, I guess, except that he'll be spending more than half of each season in a non-red jersey.

[marakh]

Yeah, the defense has also impressed me big time. MAny times he intercepted the puck from an opposition forward and what's even more impressive is that he looks like he is sure he will get the puck. His poke check is seriously impressive.

Spokane fan on HF also says Cowen is playing really well right now. More nasty than before, never makes mistakes, and leads the rush very smoothly.
After 2 years of downfall, Sens are on the rise again .
The mini rebuild is going well, and the team is playing good while it is happening.
Props to management and coaching staff.

I just have to buy a Karlsson jersey now. I only have Alfie, so 2 swedes will be the collection

[SpezDispenser]

Yeah, the points will come, no question, but his play in the defensive zone is really incredible for a young man. He really makes good use of his stick and appears to force his opponent into making a premature move where Karlsson can strip him of the puck. I like his body checking positioning as well, he knows when to use his body to separate the carrier from the puck. I also have noticed more than once that he takes the puck behind the net or into a safe zone to slow a play down, then re-emerges with it at his tempo - which, right now is skate like the wind and use puck control as your friend.

Amazing to watch.

[PKC]

Watching Karlsson get out from behind the net and start skating at the offensive zone is a pure pleasure to watch. He might turn into one of the best offensive defensemen (if not overall defensemen) in a very short period of time.

You can see the parallels with Mike Green offensively, but his IQ is much higher than Mike's thus making him a much better defenseman in his own zone.

[111519]

he will be the captain of the team some day

Alfie has spoken

[wprager]

Love this kid. He's literally just beginning too. I'm not sure the sophomore slump will apply because he'll only finish with 20 points max, so he'll be improving on his point totals, while hopefully adding some weight and experience. I could be wrong, but next year might be more like this year - but from Game 1

Are you sure? At his season-average pace, with the remaining games, he'll have 18 points. If he's playing 20+ minutes per game, his pace for the remaining games will be higher.

[SpezDispenser]

http://www.insidehockey.com/columns/5759

Let's go back to the events that happened one month ago. The Ottawa Senators were a .500 team struggling to remain in
the playoff hunt. At the time the Sens were carrying seven defensemen and
one of them, Erik Karlsson was a healthy scratch. Many were wondering
if Ottawa made a mistake by not letting their young defenseman go to
the Under 20 World Championships.

Looking back it seems the Senators organization knew what they were doing.

Ottawa is on a franchise record nine straight wins, and Karlsson is playing
the best hockey of his year. Of course the entire team is going great
right now. But to see the improvement in the young Swedes game over
the last month has been impressive. During this streak EK has been a
+7 while putting up four points.

"I've gained a lot of experience since I have been here and have played
a lot of games now," Karlsson said after his game winning assist on
Saturday night. "I have great support from the players and the coaches
as well."

That has been the key. Earlier in the year he had been paired up with
Chris Campoli, Alex Picard or Matt Carkner.



Basically he was playing
the minutes of a fifth or sixth defenseman. The coaches were trying to get him
adjusted to the pro game. Seeing the NHL was great but many times the
game is the best teacher, so he was sent to the minors. Down there
Karlsson was put into a position to excel at the game he plays best, a
number one role.

"First I got sent down and that was a very important time for me. It
was a little bit of a struggle for me down there because I had to play
good to get back here," he said. "Then I had to sit off for a few games and that
was good too. Now I know how that is and I don't want to do that
again."

Over the last little while has been paired with Filip Kuba and has
averaged 20 minutes a game over the streak. Most importantly the
coaches trust him in different situations, like a 3-on-3 overtime. It
was his long pass to Mike Fisher that led to the overtime winner.

"That feels very good, it is always good to have the support of the
coaches to play in the important situations. That is what I like to do
and I am used to doing that and it is really good that they are
trusting me."

When Karlsson was drafted he stood about 5'10", maybe. He is now a
legit 5'11" and is filling out. Obviously one of the goals will be to
add some bulk but that will come with time.

If you remember, when the Sens started this streak they also had their
fathers with them on a road trip. Karlsson's father was over to see
him and stuck around Ottawa. Having him, and the other fathers here
was an added bonus.

"I think all the dads made a good impression on me, they were so happy
all the time. We were kind of struggling and when they came they were
so happy to be here and I think they brought a lot of joy to the team."

Erik offered this little tidbit about his pops.

"Ya he was a little bit of a pain in the Donkey but it was good," he said about his father.

The way Karlsson has been playing recently, here is hoping his dad pops in more often.

[PKC]

http://www.insidehockey.com/columns/5759

Let's go back to the events that happened one month ago. The Ottawa Senators were a .500 team struggling to remain in
the playoff hunt. At the time the Sens were carrying seven defensemen and
one of them, Erik Karlsson was a healthy scratch. Many were wondering
if Ottawa made a mistake by not letting their young defenseman go to
the Under 20 World Championships.

Looking back it seems the Senators organization knew what they were doing.

Ottawa is on a franchise record nine straight wins, and Karlsson is playing
the best hockey of his year. Of course the entire team is going great
right now. But to see the improvement in the young Swedes game over
the last month has been impressive. During this streak EK has been a
+7 while putting up four points.

"I've gained a lot of experience since I have been here and have played
a lot of games now," Karlsson said after his game winning assist on
Saturday night. "I have great support from the players and the coaches
as well."

That has been the key. Earlier in the year he had been paired up with
Chris Campoli, Alex Picard or Matt Carkner.



Basically he was playing
the minutes of a fifth or sixth defenseman. The coaches were trying to get him
adjusted to the pro game. Seeing the NHL was great but many times the
game is the best teacher, so he was sent to the minors. Down there
Karlsson was put into a position to excel at the game he plays best, a
number one role.

"First I got sent down and that was a very important time for me. It
was a little bit of a struggle for me down there because I had to play
good to get back here," he said. "Then I had to sit off for a few games and that
was good too. Now I know how that is and I don't want to do that
again."

Over the last little while has been paired with Filip Kuba and has
averaged 20 minutes a game over the streak. Most importantly the
coaches trust him in different situations, like a 3-on-3 overtime. It
was his long pass to Mike Fisher that led to the overtime winner.

"That feels very good, it is always good to have the support of the
coaches to play in the important situations. That is what I like to do
and I am used to doing that and it is really good that they are
trusting me."

When Karlsson was drafted he stood about 5'10", maybe. He is now a
legit 5'11" and is filling out. Obviously one of the goals will be to
add some bulk but that will come with time.

If you remember, when the Sens started this streak they also had their
fathers with them on a road trip. Karlsson's father was over to see
him and stuck around Ottawa. Having him, and the other fathers here
was an added bonus.

"I think all the dads made a good impression on me, they were so happy
all the time. We were kind of struggling and when they came they were
so happy to be here and I think they brought a lot of joy to the team."

Erik offered this little tidbit about his pops.

"Ya he was a little bit of a pain in the Donkey but it was good," he said about his father.

The way Karlsson has been playing recently, here is hoping his dad pops in more often.

There's no question anymore that I'm getting a Karlsson jersey. It's only a question of when at this point.

[SpezDispenser]

Now?

[PKC]

Now?

I need the $$$$ because I don't want to get one of those half-assed jerseys that look like they're made of nylon...I want the real deal. If possible I want the authentic reeboks...but I'd settle for the kind right underneath that made from the double-weave.

[asq2]

Now?

I'm waiting to see if those rumoured new jerseys come to fruition.

[SpezDispenser]

Now?

I'm waiting to see if those rumoured new jerseys come to fruition.

They couldn't be serious...could they?

[wprager]

Pick up a practice or pre-season game-worn on for $50 at the SBP (they have those sales once or twice a year), then remove whatever number/name they have there and get a #65/KARLSSON. I'm sure the whole thing will cost you less than $100, and it'll be like one of those $300 jerseys.

[marakh]

I can get you guys Karlsson jerseys in a week if you want, just don't ask for genuine

[SpezDispenser]

I can get you guys Karlsson jerseys in a week if you want, just don't ask for genuine

Fakes?

[marakh]

I can get you guys Karlsson jerseys in a week if you want, just don't ask for genuine

Fakes?

yep, but I have a fake one and a genuine, I don't see the difference.

[SpezDispenser]

yep, but I have a fake one and a genuine, I don't see the difference.

I was kidding, you were serious?

[marakh]

yep, but I have a fake one and a genuine, I don't see the difference.

I was kidding, you were serious?

Kinda, but I don't wanna talk about that here, it's dangerous

[M_Christopher]

I got lazy and just got my swedish jersey done up with Karlsson 65.

Don't have the cash to get another sens jersey...although I could just atler my Daigle jersey

[marakh]

I'll wait for the new season to get a Karlsson jersey I think.
I need a genuine for him.

[SpezDispenser]

The emergence of this kid is spectacular to watch. I don't think we could talk about this enough here. This kid is blossoming into a star in front of our eyes - perhaps more important, he's logging 20+ minutes a night and looking awesome doing it.

[SeawaySensFan]

The emergence of this kid is spectacular to watch. I don't think we could talk about this enough here. This kid is blossoming into a star in front of our eyes - perhaps more important, he's logging 20+ minutes a night and looking awesome doing it.

That's been obvious to me for months now. More minutes = better play. Same goes for Campoli.

[SpezDispenser]

The emergence of this kid is spectacular to watch. I don't think we could talk about this enough here. This kid is blossoming into a star in front of our eyes - perhaps more important, he's logging 20+ minutes a night and looking awesome doing it.

That's been obvious to me for months now. More minutes = better play. Same goes for Campoli.

Yeah, but you have to be able to handle the minutes. Karlsson has looked so calm and collected, his outlets are amazing, his control on the PP is amazing, his defense is getting there. Campoli could use more time and a steady role for sure, I agree, but what Karlsson has done is raw talent and hockey IQ. It's crazy to watch.

[SeawaySensFan]

The emergence of this kid is spectacular to watch. I don't think we could talk about this enough here. This kid is blossoming into a star in front of our eyes - perhaps more important, he's logging 20+ minutes a night and looking awesome doing it.

That's been obvious to me for months now. More minutes = better play. Same goes for Campoli.

Yeah, but you have to be able to handle the minutes. Karlsson has looked so calm and collected, his outlets are amazing, his control on the PP is amazing, his defense is getting there. Campoli could use more time and a steady role for sure, I agree, but what Karlsson has done is raw talent and hockey IQ. It's crazy to watch.

Karlsson is the better player, obviously. Consider this, the same people who brought you Erik Karlsson scouted Campoli for years before finally dealing a 1st rounder to get him.

[SpezDispenser]

Karlsson is the better player, obviously. Consider this, the same people who brought you Erik Karlsson scouted Campoli for years before finally dealing a 1st rounder to get him.

They also scouted Mike Commodore. Enough said?

[SeawaySensFan]

Karlsson is the better player, obviously. Consider this, the same people who brought you Erik Karlsson scouted Campoli for years before finally dealing a 1st rounder to get him.

They also scouted Mike Commodore. Enough said?

People were whining for more grit at the time and he happened to be our best defenseman when we had him. If not for his outrageous salary demands, he might still be a Senator.

[SpezDispenser]

People were whining for more grit at the time and he happened to be our best defenseman when we had him. If not for his outrageous salary demands, he might still be a Senator.

Out best D-man? He blew IMO. Just was slow and crappy. Just my opinion, but Commodore never fit in here, so slow, so beatable to the outside, so not what I thought he was gonna be.

[SeawaySensFan]

People were whining for more grit at the time and he happened to be our best defenseman when we had him. If not for his outrageous salary demands, he might still be a Senator.

Out best D-man? He blew IMO. Just was slow and crappy. Just my opinion, but Commodore never fit in here, so slow, so beatable to the outside, so not what I thought he was gonna be.

I thought you said "Enough said". Now read what you wrote and tell me how you compare Commodore to Campoli.

[SpezDispenser]

I thought you said "Enough said". Now read what you wrote and tell me how you compare Commodore to Campoli.

Intriguing.

[SeawaySensFan]

I thought you said "Enough said". Now read what you wrote and tell me how you compare Commodore to Campoli.

Intriguing.

Intriguing?!?

Like a fox!!!!

[SpezDispenser]

Commodore didn't fit in here, he got paid 2 million more than he was worth, while Campoli was a risk that could still potentially work out, but...I would say that Campoli was a rare misstep personally. A 1st round pick is a valuable thing to give up and I think the Sens were guilty of panicking for a puck mover at the time.

But as always with young D-men, it takes time to get a good read. One guy who was never gonna make it was Picard, I at least have some faith in Campoli.

[SeawaySensFan]

Commodore didn't fit in here, he got paid 2 million more than he was worth, while Campoli was a risk that could still potentially work out, but...I would say that Campoli was a rare misstep personally. A 1st round pick is a valuable thing to give up and I think the Sens were guilty of panicking for a puck mover at the time.

But as always with young D-men, it takes time to get a good read. One guy who was never gonna make it was Picard, I at least have some faith in Campoli.

Yes they were. Just like they were panicking over lack of grit and character when they dealt for Commodore and Stillman.

[SpezDispenser]

People are starting to stand up and take notice of Karlsson now. Ian Mendes tweeted that Edmonton and Calgary media were 'blown away' by Erik Karlsson.

Too bad he didn't start the year like this or he'd be in the running for the Calder for sure.

[hemlock]

People are starting to stand up and take notice of Karlsson now. Ian Mendes tweeted that Edmonton and Calgary media were 'blown away' by Erik Karlsson.

Too bad he didn't start the year like this or he'd be in the running for the Calder for sure.

You think? Just comparing defencemen alone, I don't think he touches Myers. Myers is already Buffalo's best offensive AND defensive defenceman. I think Karlsson will end up being better offensively, but Myers is a better all-around defenceman.

Matt Duchene is starting to pull away in the rookie scoring race (at least when I saw last a week ago or so). He's got to be the front runner.

[SpezDispenser]

People are starting to stand up and take notice of Karlsson now. Ian Mendes tweeted that Edmonton and Calgary media were 'blown away' by Erik Karlsson.

Too bad he didn't start the year like this or he'd be in the running for the Calder for sure.

You think? Just comparing defencemen alone, I don't think he touches Myers. Myers is already Buffalo's best offensive AND defensive defenceman. I think Karlsson will end up being better offensively, but Myers is a better all-around defenceman.

Matt Duchene is starting to pull away in the rookie scoring race (at least when I saw last a week ago or so). He's got to be the front runner.

Maybe not actually with Howard, O'Reilly, Tavares, but he'd be mentioned in the conversation IMO.

[caissie_1]

People are starting to stand up and take notice of Karlsson now. Ian Mendes tweeted that Edmonton and Calgary media were 'blown away' by Erik Karlsson.

Too bad he didn't start the year like this or he'd be in the running for the Calder for sure.

You think? Just comparing defencemen alone, I don't think he touches Myers. Myers is already Buffalo's best offensive AND defensive defenceman. I think Karlsson will end up being better offensively, but Myers is a better all-around defenceman.

Matt Duchene is starting to pull away in the rookie scoring race (at least when I saw last a week ago or so). He's got to be the front runner.

Maybe not actually with Howard, O'Reilly, Tavares, but he'd be mentioned in the conversation IMO.

Is Tavares really in the running... I tought he only had like 2 goals in 24 games or something like that.

[Dash]

Matt Duchene is leading in both goals [23] and points [47] and is second in assists [24] behind Myers [27]. Tavares has 18 goals (3rd behind Bergfors [19]) and 36 points (tied for 2nd with Myers).

And Tuukka Rask is leading the GAA [2.11] and SV% [.928] categories amongst rookies, with Howard in 2nd (who has played 18 more games than Rask).

[SpezDispenser]

Is Tavares really in the running... I tought he only had like 2 goals in 24 games or something like that.

He's somewhere in the top 5 or 6 I would say.