Erik Karlsson is using the Winter Olympics as a source of motivation. "It's a little carrot you have in front of you and you look forward to going and playing if you can," he said. "It definitely sparks you to try and play your best hockey." However, Karlsson also stated that the tournament is "a little too far ahead to be focussing on it," so he's trying to keep himself in check and thinking about his NHL team. He leads all defensemen with 27 points in 29 games this campaign.