Erik Karlsson opened up about the trade rumors that have swirled in his first season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

PITTSBURGH – Erik Karlsson is nearing the end of his first season with the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. Things haven’t gone according to plan, as the Penguins are well outside of a playoff spot and are likely set to miss the postseason for the second consecutive season.

The Penguins found themselves selling at the deadline, with over 10 players hovering on the trade market. While Jake Guentzel and Chad Ruhwedel were the only players of note to be dealt, rumors swirled around Karlsson possibly being on the move.

Elliotte Friedman stoked the fires by saying the Ottawa Senators should consider a reunion with their former captain.

When asked about the trade rumors about his returning to the Senators, Karlsson understood why something like that might be sprouting.

“That’s Canada for you,” Karlsson said. “I played there for a long time, so I kind of know how that game works.”

Most of the trade rumors about Karlsson have stemmed from the media north of the border, while the Penguins haven’t felt any buyer's remorse. The Penguins have gotten great work from Karlsson this year, and they aren’t pulling the plug on him.

“They got a lot of things to talk about everyday because they got a lot of air time,” Karlsson said. “But very few things to actually discuss. They like to make up these what-if scenarios.”

Karlsson’s numbers aren’t as high as hoped to kick off the year, but there are still a couple of years left in Pittsburgh to find a new groove. In 64 games played, Karlsson has scored eight goals and 36 assists for 44 total points.

The rumor mill will always spin, and big names will always be involved, but Karlsson is focusing on the Penguins and not letting new trade rumors get in the way of his goals in Pittsburgh.

“It’s not something I really look into or worry much about," Karlsson said. "I look forward to enjoying the future, as well."

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