The Dallas Stars have emerged as the front-runners to land highly sought-after defenseman Erik Karlsson, sources told Chris Stevenson of The Athletic.

Related - Report: Senators give teams permission to negotiate with Karlsson

News regarding Dallas' keen interest in the two-time Norris Trophy winner comes only one day after the Senators reportedly gave teams permission to negotiate a new contract with Karlsson.

Talks on going between Dallas and Senators ... Senators focusing on Miro Heiskanen third overall to Dallas last year, one source suggested. Dallas would rather give up Julius Honka, 14th overall in 2014. Played 42 games with Stars last season. Stay tuned. — Chris Stevenson (@CJ_Stevenson) July 4, 2018

Despite it being heavily rumored that any deal involving Karlsson would have to also include Bobby Ryan and his beastly $7.25-million cap hit over the next four seasons, the deal with Dallas would not include the much-maligned winger, per Stevenson.

Ottawa offered its prized rearguard a contract extension on July 1 worth a reported $10 million per season, but given the relative mess the franchise currently finds itself in, it's widely expected Karlsson has played his final game in the nation's capital.

Karlsson is coming off a season in which he registered nine goals and 53 assists in 71 games.