Erik Karlsson Re-Signs with Ottawa Senators; Helm with Wings; Jackman with Blues

Erik Karlsson and the Ottawa Senators have reportedly agreed to a seven-year contract with an annual cap hit of $6.5 million per year (all figures U.S.). Karlsson enjoyed a breakout season last year—his second season in the NHL—with 19 goals and 59 assists.

The 22-year-old Swedish defenseman was drafted 15^th overall in the 2008 draft had just one point in seven playoff games in the 2012 playoffs, but posted 78 points in 81 games played in the regular season. The biggest turnaround from his rookie season to his sophomore season was a dismal -30 rating two years ago, to a much-improved +16 this past year.

Elsewhere around the league, the Detroit Red Wings re-signed Darren Helm for $2.125 million for each of the next four years. Helm had 26 points in 68 games last year.

Goaltender Josh Harding re-signed with the Minnesota Wild for $1.9 million a year for three years. Harding was 13-12-4 and had a 2.62 GAA last year for the Wild in 34 appearances.

Barret Jackman also signed a new contract with the St. Louis Blues for $3.166 million each year for the next three years. Jackman’s contract includes a no-trade clause.

Many fans are awaiting news of Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Suter’s contract details, but do not expect anything to happen until July 1^st at the earliest.