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Senators' Erik Karlsson: Ottawa unable to offer huge signing bonuses

The Senators are said to be in a poor financial state, even though GM Pierre Dorion reportedly offered the elite defenseman an eight-year deal that was "closer to $11 million than $10 million." As suggested in this latest report, players are heavily concentrated on earning big signing bonuses and front-loaded contracts since there may be a lockout in the 2019-20 campaign. Karlsson remains with Ottawa, despite how it had seemed like a sure bet that he'd wind up in either Tampa Bay or Dallas. Of course, those teams aren't necessarily out of the running. The reality is that no one truly knows at this point what sweater Karlsson will be donning to start the 2018-19 season.

Senators' Erik Karlsson: Still with Ottawa for time being

An unsubstantiated report had surfaced linking Karlsson to the Lightning, pending a trade call to the NHL's front office, but nothing has officially surfaced in that regard. However, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun writes, "There's little question that Tampa appears to be Karlsson's destination of choice," pointing out that the star defenseman has a close relationship with fellow countryman and 2018 Norris Trophy winner Victor Hedman, who plays for the Bolts. While this certainly was a tease for hockey fans abound, Karlsson very well could still be on the move ahead of the 2018-19 campaign, whether he winds up in Tampa or someplace else.

Senators' Erik Karlsson: Could be headed to Tampa

For now, Karlsson remains a Senator, but that could change as early as Friday morning. If Simpson's sources are accurate and this deal happens as reported, the Senators' price tag is likely to be high given that they'll be trading their captain within the Atlantic Division. For fantasy purposes, this would send Karlsson's already high value skyrocketing, as he'd move from an Ottawa team that will likely struggle mightily to produce goals and wins in 2018-19 to an explosive Lightning team that would instantly become the odds-on favorite to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup.

Senators' Erik Karlsson: Some potential landing spots revealed

While Karlsson still has one year left on his current contract with the Senators, trade discussions have been ramping up. According to Postmedia, the Sharks, Golden Knights, Capitals and Rangers -- as well as six other teams across both conferences -- make sense as potential destinations for the stud defenseman.

Senators' Erik Karlsson: Contract offer from Senators disclosed

It's looking more and more likely that a sign-and-trade scenario will play out for Karlsson, who was presented with an offer from GM Pierre Dorion on Sunday when the free-agency signing period opened. What a story it would be if the Swede ended up signing with the defensively inept Islanders after they lost out on the chance to re-sign John Tavares, but as it stands now, we're waiting on a concrete list of his potential suitors.