The NHLPA is expected to make a counteroffer to the NHL by Monday. The reaction by the owners to the player union's proposal will go a long way in determining if the entire 2012/13 season will be entirely lost. Safe to say, this it folks... let's cross our fingers. Ottawa All-World defenseman Erik Karlsson ended his stint with Jokerit of Finland with a 5-point effort, giving him 34 points in 30 SM-liiga games. Sounds like he is ready to go.. Undeniably the top fantasy blueliner in the NHL today. Defenseman Stefan Elliott scored two goals in Lake Erie's 4-0 victory over Hamilton. Despite the offensive explosion, the talented rearguard has only managed 8 points in 30 AHL games, cooling off my huge expectations of his possible breakout during the upcoming season. Keep your eye on him, as he could still pay off as a late-round sleeper in your drafts.