Erik Karlsson Takes All-Time Points Lead in Senators History Among Defensemen

Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson tallied three points in Wednesday's game against the San Jose Sharks, passing Wade Redden for the most in franchise history for defensemen, per Sportsnet Stats.

Karlsson now owns 412 total points in his career, topping Redden by two. However, Karlsson required 332 fewer games to reach the mark.

The 26-year-old blueliner has been one of the best offense-producing defensemen in the league since debuting in 2009-10 and leads the position in scoring with 27 points (seven goals, 20 assists). The closest competition—Brent Burns—sits four points back.

Karlsson is well on his way to his third consecutive All-Star nomination. In addition, he should be highly considered for the James Norris trophy—given to the defenseman who demonstrates the best all-around ability at the position—again after finishing in the top two each of the last two campaigns, per Hockey-Reference.com.

The captain's success has finally translated to some overall success for Ottawa. The club has missed the postseason two of the last three seasons but owns a 16-9-2 record early in the 2016-17 campaign. The Senators currently sit second in the Atlantic division, just three points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the division lead.

If the club is to make a postseason run of some kind, Karlsson figures to be at the center of any success. With two years remaining on his contract after this season, per Spotrac, the Senators should have something to build around as they continue to pursue the franchise's first-ever Stanley Cup.