Report: 'Decided increase' in Karlsson trade talks as camp approaches

There's been a "decided increase" in trade talks regarding Ottawa Senators star defenseman Erik Karlsson in the last 24-to-48 hours, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie.

McKenzie adds that the "obvious goal" is to get a trade done before the Senators begin their training camp on Friday.

I would almost be tempted to say it's close, but the problem with that is I suspect it's been this close or even closer in the past and it obviously didn't get done then, so...let's just wait and see if this is indeed the real thing.

- Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) September 13, 2018

In late August, it was reported that trade discussions were heating up, but nothing materialized.

The Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Vegas Golden Knights have all been linked to Karlsson at some point this summer.

The 28-year-old is coming off a down year by his standards, scoring 62 points in 71 games during the 2017-18 season. He's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2018-19 campaign.

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