Karlsson’s out front at center
Swede seizing opportunity with Knights
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — William Karlsson’s recipe for success in the NHL wasn’t that complicated. He just didn’t have all the ingredients at his disposal until this year.
The Golden Knights center, who turned 25 last week, is having a career year. He has been a huge partoftheteam’sgreatstart,pacing the Western Conference-leading Knights with 23 goals and totaling 37 points going into Tuesday’s game against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Yet he was snubbed for the NHL All-star Game when the rosters were announced last week.
“It’s been unbelievable so far,” Karlsson said. “I’ve always known I had an offensive upside, but maybe (23) goals is more than I dreamt of this early in the season.”
Part of that recipe has been the chance to play with two talented linemates in Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith. Karlsson made the most of his opportunity after the Knights selected him from the Columbus Blue Jackets in the expansion draft, working hard in the offseason in anticipation of an increased workload under coach Gerard Gallant.
“It’s been the best time of my life,” said the native of Marsta, Sweden. “Ever since I got picked by Vegas, I knew it was a fresh start for me, maybe get the chance I always wanted. So, I
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made sure I put in good work over the summer to be as prepared as possible to be able to be one of the top guys.
“I started off a little slow but I picked it up after a while. Playing with Marchessault and Smith, we have great chemistry together and just kept it going.”
The trio has combined for 51 goals, 63 assists and 114 points in 42 games. They have clicked since Gallant put them together in early November.
“I feel a lot more comfortable,” said Karlsson, who is averaging just over 18 minutes of ice time and has played in all 42 games for the Knights (29-10-3, 61 points). Last year, he averaged just over 13 minutes and scored only six goals with the Blue Jackets.
“I’m not afraid to make plays,” he said. “I’m not afraid to make mistakes. Usually when you have that kind of confidence, that’s when you play well.”
Asked about Karlsson’s play, general manager George Mcphee said, “‘Delighted’ is probably the right word. We really liked the line and the chemistry of that line. They’ve helped each other have a really good start.
“Probably the most surprising aspect of his game is he plays as well in the defensive zone as he does in the offensive zone. He’s reliable and trustworthy and cares how he performs defensively.”
Karlsson could be up for postseason awards, perhaps the Selke Trophy for top defensive forward or the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for most gentlemanly player.
But the big prize for Karlsson would be a new contract. Karlsson is a restricted free agent at the end of the season and it’s a virtual certainty he will be re-signed.
He is making $1 million this season, and after Marchessault recently signed a six-year, $30 million extension, Karlsson can expect a good bump in salary and a lengthy term. Marchessault is locked up through 2024 and Smith through 2022.
Neither Karlsson nor Mcphee would publicly discuss anything about negotiations. But Karlsson made it clear he is very happy wearing a Knights sweater.
“Of course I want to stay,” Karlsson said. “I’m having such a great time in Vegas; not just on the ice, but off the ice too. I love the city. So why not play with them for a few more years? That would be great.”
Contact Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow @stevecarprj on Twitter.