Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson enters the 2014-15 as the reigning top scorer at his position, and the odds-on favorite to win the Norris Trophy for the second time in his career.

Despite scoring 20 goals and adding 54 assists last season, Karlsson admits he's still somewhat hindered by a serious Achilles injury suffered during the lockout-shortened 2013 season.

"I still don't feel the same way I did before the injury but I am more accustomed to it now and it feels a lot better," said Karlsson, as per the Ottawa Sun.

"There's always a few things I can improve that will get a lot better along the way," he added. "As of right now, I still feel a lot better than I did last year. I should be able to feel better about my game."

Karlsson added this about various criticisms in regards to his defensive play:

They place me in some situations and some situations they don't think I'm the greatest, (but) I know I have the trust of the organization, the coaches and my teammates. My defensive game is as good as it has to be. It can be a lot better. It's something I work on improving every day. If they say that's the weakest part of my game they're probably right.

Nevertheless, Karlsson remains the NHL's most dynamic puck carrier, and could be in line to don the "C" for the Senators this season.