 Senators defenceman Erik Karlsson, seen here during an unofficial team skate at the Bell Sensplex last week, will be playing for Jokerit of the Finnish Elite League during the NHL lockout. (Darren Brown/QMI Agency) |
OTTAWA - Erik Karlsson is headed to Finland.
League sources confirmed Wednesday the Senators all-star defenceman and Norris Trophy winner has agreed to a deal with Jokerit of the Finnish Elite League.
The 22-year-old Karlsson, who signed a seven-year, $45.5 million extension in June, will head to Finland later this week.
He had been chased by Frolunda in Sweden but it’s believed Karlsson is getting his insurance costs covered.
Karlsson had 19 goals and 59 assists for 78 points with the Senators last season. He has been skating with a group of players in Kanata. He becomes the third Ottawa player to head overseas: Jason Spezza is in Switzerland and Sergei Gonchar is in Russia.
He is expected to suit up Saturday.
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Twitter: @sungarrioch