Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

Erik Karlsson has an interesting take on (not) training

Erik Karlsson

Erik Karlsson

AP

After years of working hard in the weight room during each off-season, Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson realized that it made more sense for him to take a different approach.

TSN shared video of his discussion with reporters, which provided candid insight on his viewpoints regarding getting prepared for a coming season.

“I do all my conditioning on the ice. I don’t do any conditioning during the summer,” Karlsson said Tuesday. “My issue has always been keeping weight on and trying to get bigger and stronger and if I do that throughout the summer as well, I can’t put any weight on and keep it on during the year.”

It’s strange to hear Karlsson - still just 25 - discuss how he’s adapted his regimen compared to when he was younger. Then again, maybe the Swedish defenseman simply knows his body that well, and perhaps even understands how quickly things can change for NHL athletes.

It certainly doesn’t seem like fitness is an issue for him. He generated 21 goals and 66 points in 2014-15, taking home the second Norris Trophy of his career.

Karlsson also didn’t see a dip in ice time, as he came in a little past 27 minutes per game (27:15) for the third straight season.

It’s not exactly as if he’s loafing out there, as he uses his exceptional skating ability to lead the rush and dramatically improve Ottawa’s transition game.

Some might point to comments like these when scapegoating - that always seems to happen with a small segment of fandom, doesn’t it? - but it seems like Karlsson probably knows what he’s doing.

(H/T to The Score)