Erik Karlsson

[Sensfanman]

You have to admit he was amazing when we had all our defensemen out with injuries for that one stretch though.

Him and Pothier were playing 35+ minutes because our defense consisted of guys like Brad Norton.

That's true. Can't deny he was (still is?) talented all around. To me, mental toughness is the key to avoiding sophomore slumps, that's the key difference.

 

[Debrincat93]

His goals last night were pure snipes...

 

[source]

Just pray it isnt Mezaros version 2.

Sometimes you can just tell when a player is going to be special for a long time. You get that feeling with Karlsson because he constantly makes tough plays look easy.

 

[Minister of Offence]

Sometimes you can just tell when a player is going to be special for a long time. You get that feeling with Karlsson because he constantly makes tough plays look easy.

And hes gonna make it look better than any other defencemen in the league.

Pure artistry...

 

[Asquaredx2]

Just pray it isnt Mezaros version 2.

Good point, but I'm not sure how far that comparison goes. Both had terrific years as 19 year old defencemen, but that's about where it stops. Meszaros had terrific tools (great skater, 6'2", 220lbs) but didn't show much sign of having a toolbox IMO, whereas Karlsson is playing at 5'11" 175lbs. Meszaros also played in front of a better goalie tandem (Hasek/Emery) and on a blue-line featuring Chara and Redden at his finest.

Also, although his 39 points is/was better than Karlsson's 36 (?) point pace, especially since he had 25 fewer seconds of PP time per game, recall that the 2005-2006 Ottawa Senators scored ~100 more goals than this year's Sens have thus far.

 

[Minister of Offence]

s. Meszaros had terrific tools (great skater, 6'2", 220lbs) but didn't show much sign of having a toolbox IMO,

This is where the comparison stops...Karlsson's tool box is full.

1. We saw the talent we said wait for the points

2. The points came in assists, we said just wait for the goals

3. Goals are coming.

4. There is no way Mezsaros could be doing what Karlsson is doing right now...not even close. The talent is a landslide in Karlssons favour, hes just got it.

 

[BondraTime]

I do not usually gush over a prospect, but I seriously believe that Karlsson will be putting up Doughty like numbers next year. Don't Quote me on this, but I expect him to be one of the Sens top 5 point producers next year.

 

[Minister of Offence]

I do not usually gush over a prospect, but I seriously believe that Karlsson will be putting up Doughty like numbers next year. Don't Quote me on this, but I expect him to be one of the Sens top 5 point producers next year.

Dont quote him, quote me...

If he's running a PP like he is right now 60 points isnt out of the question...

He just looks like a special player in the making...and Im talking Brian Leetch special. His current awesomeness doesnt even stand a chance against the untapped potential he has. In a couple years hes gonna be an end to end threat every game, his skating and puck handling are just that good.

 

[Asquaredx2]

I'm trying to avoid making those sorts of comments about his future.

Karlsson will only be 20 next season, we still haven't completely seen how he'll respond to an 82 game schedule (although I guess you can count the 12 AHL games he played) and the highest scoring Sens' defenceman in recent memory was Redden with 50 points (albeit in fewer than 82 games) in 2006 when the Sens scored 314 goals.

I recall when Gagner ended his rookie season on a high Edmonton fans were gushing over him and projecting 80+ point seasons in the immediate future. Development/projection doesn't necessarily happen in a linear path and there will be ups and downs, even with Karlsson's tremendous hockey IQ.

I'd be very happy with 35-40 points from him next season with improved defensive play. That's roughly in line with the top-end production from Sens' defencemen over the past few seasons and IMO about all you can ask from a 20-year-old. Greater production certainly isn't out of the question, but I think it's too much pressure on him to project him as a 50+ point guy as early as next season. If it does happen, that's just gravy.

Anyway, **** next year, we're in the playoffs.

 

[Sens With Benefits]

How much weight do you think he can gain over the off season? I think he can get up to 185-190 hes 175 right now.

 

[helicecopter]

How much weight do you think he can gain over the off season? I think he can get up to 185-190 hes 175 right now.

all i care is adding weight he doesn't lose any of his quickness.

 

[Minister of Offence]

How much weight do you think he can gain over the off season? I think he can get up to 185-190 hes 175 right now.

Since its so hard to tell what he weighs...depending on the website hes listed anywhere from 165-175. I think TSN has him at 169, which sounds like some sort of official weigh in.

You'll probably see him listed around 180 next year..but its just a guess. For a kid that is likely a hardgainer like Karlsson the weight isnt gonna come easily. I say 10 pounds of lean gains over the offseason is pretty optimistic. But there will be a professional approach in place so who knows.

I dont know how his skating could get any better really, I think hes one of the best in the league already, so pure. So I think they wont try and pack the weight on too fast so that he has trouble adjusting.

If he's skating like he does right now at a weight of 190 someday, sky is the limit for him.