OTTAWA -- Erik Karlsson says hed be glad to take on the added responsibility that comes with being the new captain of the Ottawa Senators. Austin Seibert Youth Jersey . Hed also be perfectly happy if the team decides to go in another direction. "Obviously its something I wouldnt say no to (but) its not something Im going to ask for," the star defenceman said Monday. "I think whoever takes that decision is going to make the right one and whether its me or someone else I think its going to be good for the team and good for the organization." The Senators are once again in search of a new captain as Jason Spezza -- who replaced longtime captain Daniel Alfredsson -- was traded to the Dallas Stars this past summer. Spezza wore the "C" for just one season before requesting a trade from Senators management. "As a friend point of view its sad to see him go and I wish him all the best," Karlsson said. "Its part of the business unfortunately. Hes been here for a long time and felt that he needed to move on. Its just one of those things you learn to deal with as a professional athlete." Despite the loss of Spezzas leadership and offensive abilities, Karlsson thinks the team can improve from last seasons 11th place finish in the Eastern Conference. "Its going to be a change, but at the same time I think the group we have is developing," Karlsson said. "Even though we kind of had a bad year last year I think were going to be a better team this year with or without (Spezza). I think everyone is motivated coming back and someone is going to have to step up, but thats part of the business as well. You have to give the new guys the opportunity to shine and hopefully someone will take it." Karlsson finished last season with 20 goals and 74 points through 82 games, but was far from satisfied with his performance. He worked hard during the off-season, made longer by the fact the Senators missed the playoffs, and says he feels great and is looking forward to getting back on the ice. "This summers been really good for me," he said. "Sad to say the long summers probably done me good for my own interest and Ive made a lot of progress from last year. I feel way better now than I did at this point last year and I really feel that everything is starting to connect more." The 24-year-old admitted he didnt feel good about his game last season and wants to try and return to the form that saw him win the Norris Trophy in 2013. "Im extremely excited about my own game and the teams game and where its going to take us," Karlsson said. "Right now I feel fresh and I feel like Im in a place in my life, on and off the ice, where Im happy about myself and Im excited moving forward and theres a lot of small things that I know I need to take care of on the ice to be a better player and I think Im up to date on what I need to do." Karlsson seemed more at peace and confident with himself, and it appears a tumultuous season last year helped the young defenceman mature. Last season saw Karlsson dealing with a divorce, the loss of Alfredsson, as well as close friends Peter Regin and Jakob Silfverberg, and recovering from the Achilles injury. "Everything bad comes with some good right, thats normally what they say," Karlsson said. "Ive learned a lot from last year and theres a lot of things you dont want to go through again and some things that take some time to pick up what you need to do better. I think last year in the long run is going to do us good." While Karlsson was already considered a star, he will likely come under even closer scrutiny this season with Spezzas departure. In the end it was that scrutiny that proved to be too much for Spezza, but Karlsson says hes ready and willing to accept it. "Thats how it is playing on a Canadian team and thats what you have to take," Karlsson said. "It comes with its ups and downs and its a great feeling playing for a city where everybody cares so much. Its going to be hard at times and people are going to analyze you for whatever you do." Karlsson admitted there are times he doesnt enjoy the scrutiny, but understands it comes with the territory and says hes learned not to take it too personally. Notes: The Ottawa Senators signed defenceman Mark Borowiecki to a three-year contract extension Monday. The deal has an average annual value of $1.1 million ($1.0 million in 2015-16, $1.1 million in 2016-17 and $1.2 million in 2017-18). Borowiecki played 13 games for the Senators last season and is expected to bring a physical dimension to the Ottawa blue-line. Sione Takitaki Womens Jersey . The Indians scored twice in the top of the ninth, getting the go-ahead run on a wild pitch by closer Matt Lindstrom. Axford (0-1) came in seeking his fifth save in as many chances. Sione Takitaki Browns Jersey . Pistorius denied the allegation that he said to the close friend of the girlfriend he killed: "How can you sleep at night?" The accusation by Kim Myers provided a bizarre twist during the trial of the world-famous double-amputee Olympian, who is facing 25 years to life in prison if convicted of premeditated murder for shooting dead Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model, at his home last year. http://www.footballbrownsnflprostore.com/Youth-Baker-Mayfield-Elite-Jersey/ . Mike Ribeiro had a goal and an assist as Phoenix held on to snap a two-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Friday.LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Dale Earnhardt Jr., grinning as he strode through a Las Vegas ballroom, seemed shocked Thursday to win NASCARs prestigious Myers Brothers Award.The award, presented annually since 1958, is given to a person who makes significant contributions to the sport.Its one thing to lead the last lap and get the checkered flag, its one thing to swim faster, run faster, hit a ball farther, get those sort accolades for doing something phenomenal, Earnhardt said after. But when your peers say, Good job or when the people youre around all the time acknowledge something, even if its just so minuscule, its such a good feeling.Thats really better than any kind of trophy for victories. Its a great feeling. I dont know that Ive ever been more humbled and excited.The award was named after short-track drivers Billy and Bobby Myers, two of NASCARs pioneers from the 1950s. It is presented by the National Motorsports Press Association with the purpose of recognizing those that have provided outstanding contributions to the sport of stock car racing.Earnhardt beat three other finalists — ESPN and series sponsors Nationwide and Sprint — in voting by the NMPA membership. Hes the third consecutive driver to win the award, after Jeff Gordon in 2012 and Tony Stewart last season.Stewart called the award a huge honour and could tell how much it meant for Earnhardt to win.This is your industry thats voting on this award, its not a popularity contest award, Stewart said. This is something where the industry sees what youve contributed to the sport and you could see it the whole time he was walking up there. Thats a genuine Dale Jr. smile we saw walking up there, and that shows you what it means to him.Earnhardt was reecognized for both his participation on the track — he made the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship this season and won four races — and also for his care and concern for the history and the future of NASCAR. Joe Thomas Jersey. He owns JR Motorsports with sister Kelley Earnhardt Miller and Sprint Cup team owner Rick Hendrick, and the organization won the Nationwide title this year with Chase Elliott. Elliott and teammate Regan Smith finished 1-2 in the standings.Earnhardt also is one of the few NASCAR team owners that have given back to grassroots racing by fielding full-time operations for regional short-track racing as well. He has fielded Street Stock or Late Model entries at local short tracks since starting JRM.Late Model drivers Josh Berry and William Byron finished first and second this year in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series at historic Hickory Motor Speedway. The sweep gave JRM 1-2 points finishes in both series in which it competed full-time in 14.It was the second Late Model championship in three years for the organization.And, Earnhardts off-track contributions are also tremendous. He made his 235th appearance this season for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a total that ranks among the top five for all professional athletes.The Dale Jr. Foundation also raised a record $913,000 for distribution to 70 charities in 2014. The Foundations focus is to give underprivileged individuals, particularly youngsters, the resources to improve their confidence and education.I dont know that Ive ever been more humbled and excited for Kelley and JR Motorsports. I know theyre enjoying this, too, he said. Weve done a lot of good things, but this wasnt on my radar. Its just an incredible honour.. ' ' '