By Allen Panzeri, Ottawa Citizen February 22, 2012




Just think of the great ones: Bobby Orr, Doug Harvey, Nicklas Lidstrom, Ray Bourque, Denis Potvin, Larry Robinson, Paul Coffey.

Not to mention Red Kelly, Chris Chelios, Tom Johnson, Rod Langway, Doug Wilson and Scott Niedermayer, all among the more accomplished defencemen to play in the National Hockey League.

Heady company, indeed, especially for a 21-year-defenceman who is only in his third NHL season.

However, that was the company that Erik Karlsson found himself in after Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk reached for hyperbole on Monday and predicted that Karlsson would "go down in history as one of the great defencemen of all time."

Given that negotiations are about to begin on a new contract for Karlsson, it was probably imprudent for Melnyk to make such a comment. It likely only served to add several hundred thousand dollars to the eventual settlement, which will likely come in around $5.5 million per season.

To his credit, Karlsson was able to get his helmet on for Tuesday's practice and said he appreciated Melnyk's comments.

"Obviously, I'm very glad to hear that be believes in me and thinks that what I do is pretty good," Karlsson said.

"I mean, I still have a pretty long way to go in my career, and a lot of things can happen. All I can do is be myself and try to be a good player for a very long time."

Melnyk might not be far off the mark in his reach for the stars, though.

Karlsson, the leading scorer among defencemen and 16th overall this season, could turn out to be one of the very, very good ones. Certainly he has all the skills.

Still, it will take some time to arrive at that judgment.

Asked where he thought Karlsson might be in five years, Senators coach Paul MacLean said, "I can't wait."

"His game has grown a lot, and I think there are still areas and places where it can grow," MacLean said. "But, as far as I'm concerned, his growth potential is basically up to him, and his ability to comprehend the game and his dedication to the fitness aspect of the game and his continued growth as a player in seeing the ice and the people around him."

Captain Daniel Alfredsson, who knows Karlsson better than perhaps anyone on the team, was not about to step into the debate of whether Karlsson would end up as one of the greatest. Alfredsson is a fan, though, and sees a big future for Karlsson.

"It's hard to forecast because it depends on injuries, and health, obviously," Alfredsson said. "But he's young, he's going to get stronger, he's going to get more experience, and, if this team continues to develop and keeps getting better, it'll be for him a winning team, and that's how you really develop.

"It's impossible to say where he's going to be in five years, but I don't think he's going to get any worse.

"He's had a great start to his career. He enjoys the game and he works hard and pays attention to the things he can improve on. Where he is right now is impressive."

Karlsson said his immediate goal was simply to have a better season than the one before. Looking ahead five years is too far. Besides, he jokes, he might not like what he sees.

"Maybe I'll be more defensive," he said. "Maybe a younger guy will come up and take my spot and I'll have to play defensively. I don't know. It's tough to say.

"There are so many factors that can play a big part in how your career turns out, and five years is a long time. Hopefully I'm here and keep improving every year."

General manager Bryan Murray said he had not yet officially opened negotiations with Karlsson's agents. "We've had a conversation," Murray said. "They know we want to sign him. But there's nothing more than that going on."

If Murray can get Karlsson's name on a four-year deal, he'll be doing well, whatever the cost, because in five years, in 2016-17, Karlsson would have seven years experience in the NHL and could qualify as an unrestricted free agent.

That's when he'll really be expensive, if, of course, Melnyk is correct and Karlsson is on his way to being one of the greatest. However, even if everyone thinks that Melnyk put a few dollars in Karlsson's pocket this time with his recent comments, Karlsson was more circumspect about his accomplishments this season.

"I don't think you should base a contract on one year," he said. "But obviously it's something me and (the agents) will have to sit down and talk about after the season."

Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen..../story.html#ixzz1n7txImPL
- Doppleganger

read more? you already posted the entire article instead of just the link

read more? you already posted the entire article instead of just the link
- nightmare3020

it does that automatically. But thanks for that, I'll try to delete the link in the future, but you make a great point.

how does it do it automatically? when i copy and paste just the link.... it copy and pastes just the link

how does it do it automatically? when i copy and paste just the link.... it copy and pastes just the link
- nightmare3020

You're not dealing with a rocket scientist, keep that in mind.

By Allen Panzeri, Ottawa Citizen February 22, 2012




Just think of the great ones: Bobby Orr, Doug Harvey, Nicklas Lidstrom, Ray Bourque, Denis Potvin, Larry Robinson, Paul Coffey.

Not to mention Red Kelly, Chris Chelios, Tom Johnson, Rod Langway, Doug Wilson and Scott Niedermayer, all among the more accomplished defencemen to play in the National Hockey League.

Heady company, indeed, especially for a 21-year-defenceman who is only in his third NHL season.

However, that was the company that Erik Karlsson found himself in after Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk reached for hyperbole on Monday and predicted that Karlsson would "go down in history as one of the great defencemen of all time."

Given that negotiations are about to begin on a new contract for Karlsson, it was probably imprudent for Melnyk to make such a comment. It likely only served to add several hundred thousand dollars to the eventual settlement, which will likely come in around $5.5 million per season.

To his credit, Karlsson was able to get his helmet on for Tuesday's practice and said he appreciated Melnyk's comments.

"Obviously, I'm very glad to hear that be believes in me and thinks that what I do is pretty good," Karlsson said.

"I mean, I still have a pretty long way to go in my career, and a lot of things can happen. All I can do is be myself and try to be a good player for a very long time."

Melnyk might not be far off the mark in his reach for the stars, though.

Karlsson, the leading scorer among defencemen and 16th overall this season, could turn out to be one of the very, very good ones. Certainly he has all the skills.

Still, it will take some time to arrive at that judgment.

Asked where he thought Karlsson might be in five years, Senators coach Paul MacLean said, "I can't wait."

"His game has grown a lot, and I think there are still areas and places where it can grow," MacLean said. "But, as far as I'm concerned, his growth potential is basically up to him, and his ability to comprehend the game and his dedication to the fitness aspect of the game and his continued growth as a player in seeing the ice and the people around him."

Captain Daniel Alfredsson, who knows Karlsson better than perhaps anyone on the team, was not about to step into the debate of whether Karlsson would end up as one of the greatest. Alfredsson is a fan, though, and sees a big future for Karlsson.

"It's hard to forecast because it depends on injuries, and health, obviously," Alfredsson said. "But he's young, he's going to get stronger, he's going to get more experience, and, if this team continues to develop and keeps getting better, it'll be for him a winning team, and that's how you really develop.

"It's impossible to say where he's going to be in five years, but I don't think he's going to get any worse.

"He's had a great start to his career. He enjoys the game and he works hard and pays attention to the things he can improve on. Where he is right now is impressive."

Karlsson said his immediate goal was simply to have a better season than the one before. Looking ahead five years is too far. Besides, he jokes, he might not like what he sees.

"Maybe I'll be more defensive," he said. "Maybe a younger guy will come up and take my spot and I'll have to play defensively. I don't know. It's tough to say.

"There are so many factors that can play a big part in how your career turns out, and five years is a long time. Hopefully I'm here and keep improving every year."

General manager Bryan Murray said he had not yet officially opened negotiations with Karlsson's agents. "We've had a conversation," Murray said. "They know we want to sign him. But there's nothing more than that going on."

If Murray can get Karlsson's name on a four-year deal, he'll be doing well, whatever the cost, because in five years, in 2016-17, Karlsson would have seven years experience in the NHL and could qualify as an unrestricted free agent.

That's when he'll really be expensive, if, of course, Melnyk is correct and Karlsson is on his way to being one of the greatest. However, even if everyone thinks that Melnyk put a few dollars in Karlsson's pocket this time with his recent comments, Karlsson was more circumspect about his accomplishments this season.

"I don't think you should base a contract on one year," he said. "But obviously it's something me and (the agents) will have to sit down and talk about after the season."

Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen..../story.html#ixzz1n7txImPL
- Doppleganger

So the Owner thinks he's Bobby Orr?? Well that changes everything.

apparently not good enough to have his name spelled correctly in the thread title
- Crimsoninja

Been there done that....... But what do you expect, it was started by a guy that's so far deep on him he's choking. How can you expect him to know his name?? He's just the best player on his favorite team.

EDIT: He's in good Company, since Bobby Orr was also spelled wrong.

Another 3 points so far tonight. He'll have more games played than most players but he should be top 10 in points after tonight. Like I mentioned earlier if he finishes the season in the top 10 it'll be the first time any dman has done that since Coffey did it in a shortened 94-95 season.

Another 3 points so far tonight. He'll have more games played than most players but he should be top 10 in points after tonight. Like I mentioned earlier if he finishes the season in the top 10 it'll be the first time any dman has done that since Coffey did it in a shortened 94-95 season.
- daeth

Mike Green couple years ago

Mike Green couple years ago
- yea-ok-buddy

Mike Green was 4th on his team in points.. much lower in the total standings. He was not top 10.

Mike Green was 4th on his team in points.. much lower in the total standings. He was not top 10.
- daeth

Same idea. A guy putting up big points who can't play D.

If Karlsson can finish in the top 10 in scoring it will be an impressive offensive feat. His offensive stats shouldn't be ignored just because he's not a stud in his own end.

If Karlsson can finish in the top 10 in scoring it will be an impressive offensive feat. His offensive stats shouldn't be ignored just because he's not a stud in his own end.
- daeth

Who's ignoring them? All that was said was its the same idea as mike green. Green put up even more ridiculous numbers a few years ago. How is comparing him to a guy that scored OVER a point per game as a dman ignoring his offense?

If Karlsson can finish in the top 10 in scoring it will be an impressive offensive feat. His offensive stats shouldn't be ignored just because he's not a stud in his own end.
- daeth

No one questions his offense. It is amazing. It is when they speak of the Norris that we step in.

If there was a 'best offensive defenceman' award, I would nominate him in a second.

Who's ignoring them? All that was said was its the same idea as mike green. Green put up even more ridiculous numbers a few years ago. How is comparing him to a guy that scored OVER a point per game as a dman ignoring his offense?
- prock

It's more of the "yeah, whatever" attitude really.

No one questions his offense. It is amazing. It is when they speak of the Norris that we step in.

If there was a 'best offensive defenceman' award, I would nominate him in a second.
- mfreedman

Outside of an injury it'd take some awful voting for Weber not to win it this year. He's the complete package.

Outside of an injury it'd take some awful voting for Weber not to win it this year. He's the complete package.
- daeth

Exactly. Weber, Suter, Lidstrom, Chara, etc.. would all easily be considered ahead of Karlsson for the Norris. He is not in contention. To get in contention he needs to fix his defensive game. That simple. It is not a knock on his offensive skill. Not at all.

Outside of an injury it'd take some awful voting for Weber not to win it this year. He's the complete package.
- daeth

its awarded to the player who "throughout the season demonstrates the greatest all-around ability at the position". Without question weber, lidstrom and chara lead the class based on that description.

At what point does offensive dominance overcome some defensive shortcomings (an aspect which is much improved from the previous season). There hasn't been a dominant performance like this by a dman since coffey in the 80's.

its awarded to the player who "throughout the season demonstrates the greatest all-around ability at the position". Without question weber, lidstrom and chara lead the class based on that description.

At what point does offensive dominance overcome some defensive shortcomings (an aspect which is much improved from the previous season). There hasn't been a dominant performance like this by a dman since coffey in the 80's.
- sens rock

Personally, for a DMAN, it takes quite a bit. I won't even consider a dman that's below average defensively. Its the Norris. The best of the best better be able to get it done at both ends, and reasonably well. A norris winning dman should be able to play in any and all situations.

its awarded to the player who "throughout the season demonstrates the greatest all-around ability at the position". Without question weber, lidstrom and chara lead the class based on that description.

At what point does offensive dominance overcome some defensive shortcomings (an aspect which is much improved from the previous season). There hasn't been a dominant performance like this by a dman since coffey in the 80's.
- sens rock

As noted earlier 94-95 (Coffey) was the last time a dman finished in the top 10 for points. Before that was Leetch in 91-92. Both won the Norris those seasons if I'm not mistaken, but both were decent defensively too. Leetch especially.

Personally, for a DMAN, it takes quite a bit. I won't even consider a dman that's below average defensively. Its the Norris. The best of the best better be able to get it done at both ends, and reasonably well. A norris winning dman should be able to play in any and all situations.
- prock

i would agree. the biggest arguement against karlsson is that he usually isn't on the PK or on late in close situations when they are up. His defensive game has improved leaps and bounds in his first 2 years to the point where he isn't a liability anymore but not necessarily reliable. It should come with time, but will be difficult for someone with his build.

Nobody expects Karllson to win the Norris. Our opening question was how good is he and does he warrant consideration for a Norris nomination. So watching tonight on TSN it was interesting that the second period panel picked up on the same discussion. I guess nobody should be surprised that the agreement was he should be nominated. Majority opinion was that Weber should be the ultimate winner. Marc Crawford believes that the kid should win based on his performance so far this season.

Nobody expects Karllson to win the Norris. Our opening question was how good is he and does he warrant consideration for a Norris nomination. So watching tonight on TSN it was interesting that the second period panel picked up on the same discussion. I guess nobody should be surprised that the agreement was he should be nominated. Majority opinion was that Weber should be the ultimate winner. Marc Crawford believes that the kid should win based on his performance so far this season.
- spatso

You sure about that?

Should we go back to your topic before that was about "Should Karsson be considered for the Norris" Where you and Dopps kept saying that he should be considered?

Oh god, stop with the Orr comparison's. Right now Karlsson isn't even as good as Mike Green was at the same point.
- RogerRoeper

At which point? At 21?

its awarded to the player who "throughout the season demonstrates the greatest all-around ability at the position". Without question weber, lidstrom and chara lead the class based on that description.

At what point does offensive dominance overcome some defensive shortcomings (an aspect which is much improved from the previous season). There hasn't been a dominant performance like this by a dman since coffey in the 80's.
- sens rock

Mike Green, Sergi Zubov say HI!!

Nobody expects Karllson to win the Norris. Our opening question was how good is he and does he warrant consideration for a Norris nomination. So watching tonight on TSN it was interesting that the second period panel picked up on the same discussion. I guess nobody should be surprised that the agreement was he should be nominated. Majority opinion was that Weber should be the ultimate winner. Marc Crawford believes that the kid should win based on his performance so far this season.
- spatso

Changed your tune??? You were painting quite a different picture earlier.