Karlsson happy to stay with Senators, never requested trade
In the end, Erik Karlsson got what he wanted.
The Ottawa Senators captain wasn't dealt ahead of Monday's NHL trade deadline - despite reports that the Vegas Golden Knights pushed hard for him - and he said he's happy to be staying in Canada's capital, according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun.
Related: Karlsson still a Senator after Golden Knights reportedly made final-hour push
Karlsson also said he never requested a trade and he's open to signing a long-term contract with the Senators, but he'll leave that until the summer, according to Garrioch.
Following Monday's deadline, general manager Pierre Durion told reporters he plans to offer Karlsson a long-term deal if he's still a Senator on July 1.
Related - Report: Predators 'chatted' with Sens about Karlsson
As for Karlsson, he can put the trade deadline noise behind him and focus solely on playing his game. The club has lost four straight, but the 27-year-old has been productive, putting up six points in his last seven games.