Karlsson: Melnyk's relocation comments 'none of our business'

Erik Karlsson is sticking to the business of playing hockey,

After shining in Saturday's NHL100 Classic, the Ottawa Senators captain was forced to address remarks made by team owner Eugene Melnyk the night before, wherein relocation was suggested should the arena remain unfilled on a regular basis.

"That's none of our business," Karlsson told reporters after practice on Monday, per TSN. "That's what he (Melnyk) worries about. We worry about playing hockey and that's all we can control.

"We show up here every day and do the best that we can and what we do ... There's nothing I can do about that. Whatever he chooses to say is on him and we just worry about showing up wherever we're told to every day."

Having said that, Karlsson appears to be a fan of building a new rink closer to the city's core.

"I do think it would be better for a rink downtown, just for commuting and you know there's more people down there," he explained. "It would be a cool experience to have a rink in downtown Ottawa since we have a beautiful city.

"I think this is a great market, it's always treated me real well, whether things are going well or if things haven't been going well."

The outdoor win over Montreal improved Ottawa's record to 11-13-7. The Senators sit six points behind Boston for third place in the Atlantic Division.