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Senators’ Karlsson doesn’t rule out a return

Ottawa Senators v Winnipeg Jets

WINNIPEG, CANADA - JANUARY 19: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators skates down the ice as he keeps his eye on the play in a game against the Winnipeg Jets on January 19, 2013 at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Marianne Helm/Getty Images)

Marianne Helm

Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson hasn’t ruled out a return this season.

Karlsson, the 2012 Norris Trophy winner as the NHL’s top defenseman, had his left Achilles Tendon sliced by the skate of Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matt Cooke during a hit along the boards during a game in February.

Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray said last month the recovery for such an injury, which Karlsson had surgery to repair what was a “70 per cent cut” of his Achilles, is three-to-four months.

On Monday, Don Brennan of the QMI Agency reported that Karlsson spoke to reporters during the first intermission of the Senators’ 3-2 shootout win over the New Jersey Devils.

According to Brennan, Karlsson wouldn’t say ‘No’ when asked if there was a chance he could return for the playoffs. However, there appears to be no timeline for when he might start skating.

“Tough to say right now,” Karlsson told the QMI Agency.

“As of now, it’s going to be awhile. Anything can happen, anything can change, but right now we’re not aiming for a certain date or anything. We’re just trying to make it feel better and get everything back to normal.”

Karlsson had six goals and 10 points in 14 games prior to the injury.