Erik Karlsson would like to spend the lockout playing for his former team, Frolunda of the Swedish Elite League.
SEL originally blocked locked-out NHLers from signing with their clubs, but Sweden’s Competition Authority has overruled them.
Still, Karlsson has at least one more meaningful roadblock standing between him and a return to Frolunda. He has to insure his recently inked seven-year/$45.5 million contract, according to the Ottawa Citizen.
“I don’t want to put them in debt or anything,” Karlsson said. “I want to make them a better team if I come. I don’t want it to be unfair for anyone.”
Karlsson had 10 points in 45 games with Frolunda in 2008-09. Since then, he’s become one of the NHL’s best offensive defenseman.
Now he has the opportunity to return to Frolunda and win a title with them, like Daniel Alfredsson did during the 2004-05 lockout.
“There may not be another time that I have a chance to play there again,” Karlsson said. “Just right here, right now, and if I can take that opportunity, I will.”
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