Karlsson (foot) hasn't skated since undergoing surgery June 14, but is optimistic about playing at some point in October, NHL.com's Dan Rosen reports.

EDGE Analysis

Following the operation, a timeline of four months was announced for Karlsson's return, which would land a little more than a week after opening night. Karlsson isn't a player that has to worry about battling for a roster spot, so expect him and the team to be very cautious when it comes to deciding when he makes his season debut. Even if Karlsson is to miss a half-dozen games from the outset of the campaign, he should still be one of the top-two defensemen coming off the board in fantasy drafts.