Report: Senators give teams permission to negotiate with Karlsson

The Ottawa Senators continue to try and work themselves out from under the mess that has become their offseason, as the club has given teams permission to discuss a contract extension with Norris Trophy-winning rearguard Erik Karlsson, according to the New York Post's Larry Brooks.

Related: Senators offer extension to Karlsson

Ever since the off-ice drama between the Karlsson family and former Senators teammate Mike Hoffman and his fiancee, rumors have been hot and heavy over Karlsson's potential departure out of the nation's capital.

Ottawa offered Karlsson a contract extension Sunday, but given the relative disarray the franchise currently finds itself in, there is a real possibility that the premier blue-liner has played his final game with the Senators.

Despite playing last season with half an ankle bone, Karlsson still managed a respectable campaign on a ragtag Sens squad, racking up nine goals and 53 assists in 71 games.

Though he looked to have lost a step following last year's surgery, he is still one of the best defensemen in the game who will have multiple teams vying to acquire his services.