"Erik Karlsson is giving the Senators some big numbers this season.

Now it's getting near time they return the favor.

Playing on the final year of his entry level contract, the Senators all-star defenceman gave thumbs up to the extension his former Swedish junior national teammate, Victor Hedman, signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

On Wednesday, Bolts GM Steve Yzerman locked in the second overall pick of the 2009 draft to a five-year, $20-million pact.

"Obviously, I'm really happy for Hedman," Karlsson said after the Senators' on-ice workout at the Washington Capitals practice facility Friday. "It's a player who deserves it. We'll see what happens to me. It can be a total different situation, or it can be the same."

As far as term goes, Karlsson would take something similar.

"Yeah, I like it here," the 21-year-old said when asked if he'd prefer a long-term deal from Ottawa. "I like this team. I like the organization. I like the city. My fiance loves it here. The things we have going on here are really good.

"Obviously, I want to stay here and hopefully for a long time. Maybe it means to sign a long-term deal right now, or wait a bit. But I want to stay here. And hopefully they want to keep me here.""