I used the word "miracle", "a highly improbable or extraordinary event, development, or accomplishment that brings very welcome consequences" (source : Google)
In that scenario, I specifically talked about new ownership (something that will happen at some point, we just have no idea when, it could be within the next year, in 3 years, in 7 years, etc, impossible to tell right now, unless you have some sources that I don't have)
In everything I have heard, Alfie was involved in the group who tried to buy the team (don't think it's a secret for anyone in Ottawa), but I don't have sources outside of Montreal radio (JC Lajoie for example has his faults but never talk about rumors if it's not coming from at least 2 reliable sources and he has a lot of contacts, he is the hockey guru in a top-3 hockey market) and some Montreal people. Other people on the Web (including HF) talked about that a lot (source : ask them)
Wouldn't you see Karlsson signing in Ottawa in that "miraculous" scenario (particularly with his countryman mentor involved), assuming the new ownership has the financial strength (which they apparently would) that would allow them to give Karlsson lots of bonus money up front? Most teams are capable of doing that, Ottawa is one of the few that is "crying piss poor"
If that miraculous scenario doesn't happen, Karlsson will get what he wants on the UFA market (unless he has a terrible season), probably from a big market like the Rangers or even the Habs (he would be close to "home"). Many teams aren't scared to spend, Habs make over 100 M$ in profit every year just from hockey revenues (not talking about Evenko). Even if Karlsson declines before the end of his 7 years contract, worst case scenario is they end up losing some money. It's just in Ottawa that we make such a big deal about Bobby Ryan being overpaid, in other NHL franchises, it complicates their cap situation, here it complicates the owner's bottom line. Think about it.