The Legend of EK65 Lives On in Ottawa
Ottawa Senators fans have long held a soft spot for Erik Karlsson — the Swedish defenceman who became one of the most electrifying players ever to wear a Sens jersey. More than half a decade after his trade to the San Jose Sharks in 2018, the dream of a homecoming hasn't faded. If anything, it's grown stronger.
According to a report from the Ottawa Citizen, the sentiment among the Senators faithful remains clear: they want EK65 back where many believe his legacy truly belongs — in Ottawa.
How Close Did a Return Come in 2022?
What makes the longing even more bittersweet is the revelation that in 2022, Karlsson almost did come back. The details of those near-negotiations serve as a reminder of just how thin the line can be between a feel-good hockey story and the cold reality of trades and contracts.
Karlsson's time in Ottawa (2009–2018) was nothing short of legendary. He won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenceman twice — in 2012 and 2015 — and captained the Senators through one of the franchise's most exciting eras, including a stunning run to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final in 2017. His skating, his vision, his offensive production — fans in Ottawa had never seen anything quite like it.
A Franchise and a Fanbase Still Healing
The 2018 trade was painful. It signalled the beginning of a difficult rebuild for the Senators, and for many fans, Karlsson's departure marked the end of an era. Ottawa was left to start fresh, while EK65 moved on to San Jose and later to Pittsburgh.
But the Senators have been quietly building again. With young stars like Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle, and Drake Batherson leading the charge, Ottawa's rebuild has started to take real shape. The Canadian Tire Centre faithful are daring to dream again — and for some of them, the ultimate symbol of that dream is Karlsson returning to finish what he started.
Could It Still Happen?
Karlsson, now in the later years of his career, has shown that he still has elite-level hockey left in him. His bounce-back seasons have reminded the hockey world of his remarkable talent. Whether a return to Ottawa is realistic remains to be seen — contracts, cap space, and team needs all play a role — but the emotional case for it is undeniable.
For a franchise that has had its share of heartbreak, seeing Karlsson suit up in red and black one more time would be a moment Ottawa hockey fans would never forget.
The 2022 near-miss might have been a missed opportunity — or it might just be a chapter in a story that isn't finished yet.
Source: Ottawa Citizen via Google News Sens RSS feed.
