Erik Karlsson becoming a polarizing star in Canada’s capital May 30, 2013

In the span of just 4 seasons, the Swedish-born defenseman has almost single-handedly changed the hockey culture in Ottawa. It is rare to encounter a superstar with a personality to boot, but this is exactly what we have with Erik Karlsson, a player who is turning heads for all the right reasons.

Drafted 15th overall in the 2008 Entry Draft, Karlsson’s ascension to stardom did not happen over night.  He spent 2008-09 plying his trade with Frölunda in the Elitserien (Sweden’s top league), and after making the Senators squad out of training camp in 2009, was sent down to Binghamton shortly after.  This stint in the minors did not last long however, and his return to the big club on November 27th would be for good.

The rest, as they say, is history. Karlsson has quickly become a 2-way defensive force, and has the stats to back it up. His numbers climbed dramatically in three straight seasons, from 26 points in his rookie season, to 78 in his third. He would be crowned the Norris Trophy winner in that campaign as well.

But there is more to this 22-year-old phenom than meets the eye. There is a swagger and comedic flair—and style too—that have bubbled up to the surface over the last couple of years, taking his superstar status to a whole new level.

For more on Karlsson and his rise to prominence in the country’s capital, keep reading Shannon Proudfoot’s article here.