from Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun,

If the Senators did, in fact, make a long-term, big-money offer to Erik Karlsson before trading him — and if they really do want the best defenceman in franchise history to be part of their future plans — they should circle back to the conversation.

This time, Karlsson could be much more receptive to the idea.

While the two-time Norris Trophy winner is expected to be the most coveted free agent available when the market opens on July 1, a well-connected source says that he hopes to receive competitive offers from two teams in particular — the Senators and the Montreal Canadiens.

Why?

Because his wife, Melinda, who was born and raised in Ottawa, is “homesick” and would very much like to live close to her family again.

continued plus more teams mentioned...