Thursday Thought’s: Would the Ottawa Senators fold if Erik Karlsson signed with the Leafs?

Take a look, ya’ll. Erik Karlsson is the best thing about the Owttawa Senators. In fact, he’s the only good thing about the Ottawa Senators. The fans love him even more than they love the jersey with the giant “O” and even more than they love not filling their arena during playoff games.

But he’s a free agent at the end of the 2018-19 season and their owner, Eugene Melnyk, is notoriously cheap unless it comes down to overpaying for players like Dion Phaneuf.

So what if, come July 1, 2019, Karlsson decides “I love living in Ontario, but instead of living in the city where everyone goes to bed at 8:45 and playing for a team that can’t figure out how to host an outdoor game, I’m going to live in the centre of the hockey universe and play for the Buds.” And Eugene Melnyk would say “okay cool whatever saves me sweet cash”

An important thing to remember for the Sens is that they have Cody “Local Boy” Ceci in need of a new, long-term contract at the end of the 2017-18 season. With Phaneuf and then Ceci locked down to a fresh, multi-year deal somewhere in the $6-$7 million range, the Sen’s will certainly have to let Karlsson walk.

Aaaaand then he signs with the Leafs, who have Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner locked up to hometown discounts. Would this be the end for the Sens? Would they be able to carry on? While Melnyk would happily let Karlsson walk to save cash because nobody watches the team anyway, the fans would be furious.

Look at how much they love this guy:

The replies are loaded with “We love you Erik!” and “Come back soon we need you!” Justifiably so! Erik Karlsson is an incredible, generational talent and a lovable personality. But just think, if he’s already a legendary player in Ottawa, imagine what he could become on a Leafs dynasty team.

And Sens fans, who are already jealous their team is fading into oblivion while the Buds rise, wouldn’t be able to handle it. They would demand the franchise shut down and never be able to watch hockey ever again. It would be game over.

Face it, Sens fans. He’s too good for you. And you know the old saying, if you love something, set it free. Let your star shine! A bird can’t fly in a cage!

July 1, 2019 can’t come soon enough! #BUDSALLDAY