Karlsson arrived at Ottawa's scheduled practice Monday, just hours before the 3 p.m. trade deadline.

EDGE Analysis

Karlsson did not speak to reporters, allowing speculation to run wild concerning his final destination. Tampa Bay, Washington, Nashville and Vegas remain the favorites to land the world-class defenseman, and all would help Karlsson's already high fantasy value if Ottawa finds an offer it likes.

Tampa Bay is emerging as a serious contender to acquire Karlsson before the trade deadline, reports Sportsnet.ca.

EDGE Analysis

Nashville is also in the hunt, but the Sens are currently insisting on Bobby Ryan and his $7.25 million cap hit included in the deal. That limits the landing spot if Karlsson is to move -- Ryan's contract is an albatross. There's a chance that a four-team deal between Tampa, Ottawa, Montreal and Las Vegas is also in the mix. Much of it is hyperbole, but where there is smoke, there is some kind of fire. This could get very interesting before mid-day Monday.

Karlsson, whose name has commonly surfaced in trade rumors, will suit up for the Senators against the Flyers on Saturday afternoon, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ideally, the Senators would like to retain Karlsson, but that won't stop potential suitors from getting Senators GM Pierre Dorion on the horn to discuss trade possibilities. Still, it looks like the stud defenseman will be safe to play as normal for this matinee.

The Predators have "chatted" with the Senators about Karlsson ahead of Monday's trade deadline, The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's no secret that Predators GM David Poile has an affinity for talented defensemen, and we assume that it was worth his time to at least inquire about the possibility of acquiring one of the league's best in Karlsson, who has won the Norris Trophy twice in his career along with the honor of playing in three All-Star Games. However, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic considers Karlsson to Nashville a "longshot at best." The trade deadline is an exciting time for fantasy owners, but we wouldn't make any hasty moves based on what's been churning in the rumor mill.

Karlsson registered two helpers and six shots on net in a 3-2 overtime win versus the Sabres on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Though a career-low 3.8 shooting percentage has suppressed the defenseman's numbers, Karlsson still has 39 points in 51 games. He's been one of the best offensive defenseman in the league for years now, which is why the idea of him being traded has been so intriguing. Even if he stays in Ottawa, he has the kind of offensive skill fantasy owners covet.

Karlsson assisted on the opening goal and scored the overtime winner -- both with the man advantage -- Thursday against Anaheim.

EDGE Analysis

Karlsson unleashed a cannon from the point in the extra session to put an end to Ottawa's six-game losing streak. The Swedish rearguard logged a whopping 28:35 of ice time and was credited with his first game-winner of the season. Karlsson's minus-24 rating is hard to swallow, but his 34 points through 44 games still make him a must-own fantasy blueliner. Now that the Senators have ended the slump, look for Karlsson to start piling up more points.

General manager Pierre Dorion said the Senators' preference is to keep Karlsson, but the team would be open to "an offer you can't turn down".

EDGE Analysis

This won't do anything to calm fans in Ottawa, as the Senators are already a mess with Karlsson on the ice. If he is traded, it'd be a monster move and a sign that his team doesn't think it can re-sign him. He'd also likely get a sharp increase in value, given that he'd almost surely be going to a playoff contender. That said, Dorion emphasized that the Senators want Karlsson to be a Senator for life, so there's no reason to expect a move is imminent.

Karlsson tallied three assists in Saturday's 6-3 win over Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

He also finished plus-5. Karlsson has not been himself this season, but he may be turning the corner. He has five assists in his last two games and 11 points in his last 10 games. Karlsson is also plus-2 in that span -- that's a minor miracle considering his overall minus-18 rating. He's poised for a much-improved second half and that's music to fantasy owners' ears.

Karlsson recorded two assists -- one on the power play -- through 25:28 of ice time (1:45 with the man advantage) during Friday's 6-5 overtime win against San Jose.

EDGE Analysis

This multi-point outing ups Karlsson to two goals and six assists through his past nine games, as he's beginning to return to his high-end form. Ottawa's swift fall to the basement of the Eastern Conference has hurt the Swede's value, but teams are rarely as bad or good as they appear in a small sample. It's likely foolish to get cute with Karlsson. His recent uptick in production proves his high-end talent and also reaffirms his status as a set-and-forget asset in all settings.

Karlsson went scoreless and was on the ice for both Detroit goals in a 2-1 loss to the Red Wings on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

This was a shocking ending, as Karlsson's inability to handle the opening faceoff of overtime allowed Detroit to score the winner just six seconds into the extra period. As great as Karlsson is, the Senators' struggles might be starting to take their toll on him, as he's failed to contribute anything positive in four of his past five games.