Karlsson not worried about being traded

It's all just noise as far as Erik Karlsson is concerned.

Trade rumors surrounding the Ottawa Senators captain have picked up this week, especially after general manager Pierre Dorion went on record Thursday stating that while the team plans to keep the two-time Norris Trophy winner for life, he would still listen to trade offers.

In fact, Dorion made sure to point out even Wayne Gretzky was traded in his prime, seemingly comparing the two players and situations despite Karlsson not fully understanding why.

"This isn't close to that," Karlsson said of the comparison, according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun. "I don't know why that parallel is being drawn."

As for the speculation, Karlsson insists he isn't worried about potentially being traded. For the time being, his focus remains solely on the ice.

"This isn't something I can control. I'm going to do the job I've done," said Karlsson. "I'm going to do the best I can to help this team. When the time comes to make a decision, I will make one."

In a down season, Karlsson still ranks tied for eighth in scoring among all NHL defensemen with 31 points in 39 games.