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We’ve been here before, but the indications are that the traction in these recent trade discussions means the possibility exists that Karlsson could get moved before the start of the season.

While the Senators weren’t close to a deal with any teams when talks got serious during the first week of July, general managers are re-engaged with the start of camp now less than three weeks away, and the timing could be right to make something happen.

There are teams involved in these discussions that would like to get a trade done before camp so the roster core is set going into the season, and they know that if the Senators are going to make this deal the asking price is high, which means they’ll have to give up significant assets in return.

A two-time Norris Trophy winner, Karlsson, who is expected to return to Canada this week after a trip to Europe, turned down an eight-year extension offer from the Senators worth north of $80 million on July 1 and, at this stage, it’s not known if there have been any further contract discussions.

The Senators don’t feel any sense of urgency to move Karlsson and, if he’s not dealt, they fully expect him to report to training camp. The belief is the asking price is at least four assets in return, including a player who can help the club immediately, a first-round pick and a high-end prospect.

While it was speculated in this space last week that the Canucks might be a fit for Karlsson, it was interesting to see a report that they had held talks with the Senators. Vancouver GM Jim Benning has tried to make blockbuster deals in the past and wouldn’t shy away from trying to make this kind of trade.