"(The lockout) is not something anyone wants," Karlsson told the Sun. "I want to keep playing hockey and I've been wanting to get back for quite some time now. There's not much you can do about this situation. I still enjoy myself on the ice and I'm going to have to do this for a little bit longer."
Although Karlsson is eager to step back on the ice, he realizes his options are now limited to find another place to play during a lengthy lockout.
"Sweden closed their league and that was probably going to be my No.1 option if it was available. It isn't, so I guess I'm going to have to wait to see what's going to happen here and I'm probably not going to do anything here for awhile," he said. "It depends how long it drags on. We don't have that many options anymore. Russia is one. I don't know if you want to go there anymore. We'll see about that. Switzerland is going to be hard because they only have so many imports on each team ... maybe the Swedish Elite League changes its mind once (the lockout) gets closer."
While the young blueliner would have preferred to return home during the potential work stoppage, he does not hold any hard feelings towards his native land.
"I understand it as well," Karlsson added. "It's a decision that probably best for the league long term, but I think all the fans want to see some exciting players going back to their old teams and some other players they don't get the opportunity to see live. Maybe there'll be a change in their decision."
In 81 games with the Sens last season, Karlsson recorded 19 goals and 59 assists for 78 points, and a plus-16 rating.
