he will likely come under even closer scrutiny this season with Spezzas departure

OTTAWA -- Erik Karlsson says hed be glad to take on the added responsibility that comes with being the new captain of the Ottawa Senators. Custom Washington Redskins Jerseys . 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). 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CNN and Gazzetta dello Sport reporter Tancredi Palmeri broke the news via Twitter Tuesday afternoon. Italian Football Association President Giancarlo Abete has also resigned, according to Palmeri.SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. -- Sam Slaughter homered twice and drove in six runs to help Nashville, Tennessee, beat Canada 12-9 in a consolation game Tuesday at the Little League World Series. The catcher hit three-run homers in the first and fifth innings, while third baseman Blake MMoney hit a solo shot in the fifth. Custom Milwaukee Brewers Jerseys. . Canada scored five runs in the sixth inning, but the Vancouver teams comeback attempt came up short. Both teams Little League World Series runs came to an end, as they were eliminated from contention last Saturday. ' ' '