Well, this time he stuck around.
Two days after he abruptly left a postgame presser following a question about his impending return to Ottawa, Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson discussed the highly anticipated matchup to reporters Friday afternoon.
"I don't really know what to expect," Karlsson said ahead of the Sharks' Saturday afternoon game against the Senators. "I do think it's going to be a little emotional. How it's going to play out, I'm not really sure, I haven't tried to overthink it too much. I'm going to try and stay focused on the game, it's an important one for us."
WATCH: Erik Karlsson nets first goal with San Jose Sharks
Karlsson is correct, as the Sharks (12-9-5) will try to keep pace with the first-place Calgary Flames in the Pacific Division. After a slow start, Karlsson has notched his first two goals with the Sharks and has totaled 15 points through 26 games.
Yet, Saturday afternoon's matchup against his former team represents a monumental homecoming for the 28-year-old defenseman.
"I'm not going to lie and say I didn't know this wasn't coming up and I haven't been thinking about it," Karlsson said.
After months of rumors and speculation, the Senators traded Karlsson to the Sharks in mid-September in exchange for defenseman Dylan DeMelo, forwards Chris Tierney, Josh Norris and Rudolfs Balcers, and conditional draft picks in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
In nine seasons with the Senators, the Sweden native grew from a 19-year-old rookie into arguably the top defenseman in the NHL. He recorded 518 points in 627 games across nine seasons in Ottawa, while becoming a two-time Norris Trophy winner. In that time, Karlsson also made four All-Star teams and led the Senators to the postseason in five of his nine seasons.
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In his penultimate season with the Senators, the team was a double-overtime goal away from advancing to the Stanley Cup Final.
"None!" Karlsson said emphatically on if he has any regrets from his time in Ottawa. "I've had a great time here. I came here as a young boy and spent my entire young adult life here. Looking back, I don't think I would change anything."
"They made me who I am today, and I am thankful for that."
— Tim and Sid (@timandsid) November 30, 2018
Erik Karlsson was asked today if he had any regrets about his time in Ottawa... He faces his former team Saturday. #NHL #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/9kHAVMx51u
Karlsson even admitted that he still keeps up with the Senators' games when he can.
"I still follow all you guys on social media, unfortunately, so I know what's going on," Karlsson quipped. "I still like when the team does well."
In terms of reception, Karlsson was presented with the comparison of his upcoming return to that of his former teammate and Senators legend Daniel Alfredsson. After 17 seasons in Ottawa, Alfredsson inked a one-year deal with the Red Wings in 2013 in pursuit of a Stanley Cup.
Karlsson noted that the longevity of both players' stints with the Senators differs. However, Karlsson divulged that he would see and speak to Alfredsson ahead of his return, which he reiterated is something he's excited for.
"It feels good, I've been waiting for it," Karlsson said. "It's going to be nice to come back, I have nothing but good memories here and I look forward to making new ones."