Erik Karlsson spoke to the media today for the first time since his injury in Pittsburgh. He has been around the rink in recent days, but finally got a chance to sit down and speak about the incident that left him in crutches and his forthcoming recovery.

Here's a Twitter rundown of some of his thoughts:

Erik Karlsson speaks w/ media for 1st time since injury. #Sens TV will have full video later this morning instagr.am/p/WCaMGio-gj/

— Ottawa Senators (@NHL_Sens) February 22, 2013

Karlsson: The last few days have been better

— Ottawa Senators (@NHL_Sens) February 22, 2013

Karlsson: When I'm back I'll be 100%

— Ottawa Senators (@NHL_Sens) February 22, 2013

Karlsson on the fan outreach in Ottawa: It's nice to know people care about you

— Ottawa Senators (@NHL_Sens) February 22, 2013

Karlsson: I try to stay positive. When I'm around the locker room I try to be a happy guy. My wife appreciates when I'm happy too.

— Ottawa Senators (@NHL_Sens) February 22, 2013

Karlsson: I will do everything I can to try and get it fixed as soon as possible

— Ottawa Senators (@NHL_Sens) February 22, 2013

Karlsson on helping the team: You still try and help out when you can and cheer them on and keep them happy.

— Ottawa Senators (@NHL_Sens) February 22, 2013

Obviously much will be made about Karlsson's remarks regarding Matt Cooke. In sum, Karlsson didn't think that Cooke intentionally tried to cut him with his skate but did believe that he went into the corner with the intention of hitting him hard and the situation as a whole was preventable. He hasn't spoke to Cooke since the incident.

The good news here is that Karlsson seems upbeat and optimistic. Physically he's feeling better than he was and he seems confident that he'll be able to make a full recovery. Obviously there are many red flags that pop up when you have an injury of this nature to a player with Erik's skillset, but he is committed to making the full proper recovery as opposed to rushing back for the sake of making a return.

He can't do much on the leg currently, but as that heals they will adjust his rehab plan.

Karlsson was very honest about how difficult it has been to watch the team play without him, but he is trying to help off the ice by keeping guys loose the way he normally would. All in all, Sens fans should see this situation as a relatively positive one. Any time a player is in good spirits and engaged with the goings on a team faces, it is a good sign.

For those of you wondering how he spends his day now, the answer is watching golf on television.

The Sens will hit the ice at noon today for practice.