Senators' Karlsson: Ankle is at 110 percent

While there may still be uncertainty surrounding Erik Karlsson's future in Ottawa, one thing he won't have to worry about is his health.

The Ottawa Senators captain entered last season after undergoing surgery on his ankle to repair tendons. Because of this, he missed the first five games of the campaign and appeared to be a step behind his usual blistering pace. However, while speaking at the Canadian Open Pro-AM this week, Karlsson admitted his ankle feels better than ever.

"I think it's better now than it was before because you work on it so much," Karlsson said, according to The Athletic's Chris Stevenson. "I'm very optimistic moving forward from here. It shouldn't be an issue for me whatsoever, so that's nice.

"110 (percent) probably," he added. "It's that good."

After the season ended, Karlsson spent time with the doctor who performed the surgery and is now working with a foot specialist to help build his strength.

"I'm seeing another ankle specialist in Ottawa a lot, too," Karlsson said. "Mostly it's just getting strength back and getting used to the feeling, which takes a bit of time now and that time is past. I've got my new normal again and it feels great."

Despite a down season by his standards, Karlsson still tied Mark Stone for the team high in points with 62 in 71 games. With health no longer a concern, the 28-year-old should enter the season, once again, as a potential Norris Trophy candidate.