While many players use the summer months to workout and get in shape, Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson admits his offseason is much more laid back.

"I do all my conditioning on the ice. I don't do any conditioning during the summer," Karlsson told reporters Tuesday. "My issue has always been keeping weight on and trying to get bigger and stronger and I find if I do that throughout the summer as well, I can't put any weight on and keep it throughout the year."

Though his new offseason regime is much more relaxed, Karlsson explains that his off-ice routine used to be quite intense.

"From 17 to 23, I went really hard for five years straight," said Karlsson. "You know that you can kind of feel as you play more games and you've been around for a long time that you can't do the same things anymore. As of right now, I'm in the stage where I am trying to maintain what I have."

After winning the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman last season, maintaining what he has might just be the best thing for Karlsson.