Some transactions lead to endless discussions among fans. The big one for Ottawa is the trade of Erik Karlsson to San Jose. At the time, it looked like the senators were selling the family cottage for a bag of lawn clippings and calling it a victory. People were angry, confused and dramatic. Senators fans can turn into a lively crowd when they are excited.
But now, with a little distance? That deal looks like one of the great heists of the modern NHL. Especially since that “mystery” first-round pick turned into the man who pretty much is the Senators franchise today: Tim Stützle.
The day the senators bet on hope
September 2018: Ottawa was pure chaos. Karlsson wanted out, management threw grenades while blindfolded, and everyone just wanted the damn soap opera to end. They traded him to San Jose, but the return felt like they raided the Sharks’ junk drawer and took what was left at the bottom.
Chris Tierney, Dylan DeMelo, Rudolfs Balcers, Josh Norris, a second-rounder and some conditional picks. Senators fans tried to talk themselves into it, but it wasn’t easy. The real price was that one unprotected first-rounder that depended on how the Sharks finished.
San Jose dove perfectly, making Ottawa the No. 3 pick in 2020. That spin changed everything. You don’t randomly land a Tim Stützle. It took a stroke of luck and good scouting for Ottawa to land a player like him.
Karlsson thrived in San Jose for a while, but Ottawa hit the jackpot
Karlsson did what Karlsson does. Although initially dazzled, Karlsson was plagued by injuries. Despite winning the 2023 Norris Trophy, San Jose struggled with his contract. He’s a great player and a one-day Hall of Famer. There is no argument. But San Jose ultimately drowned in that contract, and they’re still trying to dig themselves out.
Meanwhile, Ottawa has a player who is redefining the franchise. Stützle is electric every evening. He brings speed, swagger and finishing. In simple language, he is the whole package. He’s the kind of kid you’d ever build statues for. And he got out of that one conditional choice, which people shrugged their shoulders about in 2018.
When you trade a superstar at the end of his prime and end up with your next superstar just enters his? That’s more than luck. That’s your franchise sliding into a brand new chapter without even realizing it.
Bottom line: The Sens not only won, they reset their entire future
It’s funny to look back now. What felt like a defeat at the time is probably the move Sens fans will remember most when this core finally emerges. Without that trade there is no Stützle. And without Stützle, Ottawa’s rebuild is still stuck in neutral.
Sometimes the hockey world tries to overthink these things. This? Nice and simple: Ottawa made a brave call and it changed everything.
Related: Olle Lycksell leaves NHL for Switzerland, why?
Discover more from NHL Trade Talk
Subscribe to receive the latest posts by email.
#trade #brought #Senators #life