Knights’ Karlsson files for arbitration

Teammates Miller, Nosek also on list of 44 NHL players filing

Center William Karlsson was one of three Golden Knights to file for salary arbitration prior to Thursday’s league deadline.

Defenseman Colin Miller and forward Tomas Nosek also were among 44 NHL players who filed, which is standard procedure for restricted free agents who remain unsigned for next season.

By filing for arbitration, Karlsson can’t be signed to an offer sheet by another team, meaning he will return to the Knights barring a trade.

Karlsson can continue to negotiate with the team on a long-term contract from now until his hearing.

Arbitration hearings are from July 20 to Aug. 4 in Toronto.

If the two sides are unable to come to an agreement before then, an arbitrator would determine Karlsson’s salary and the team would select a one- or two-year contract.

Players often reach a settlement on a new contract before their case is heard. Of the 30 players who filed last year, 27 settled before their hearing and two settled after their case was heard but before a decision was reached.

Knights defenseman Nate Schmidt’s case was the only contract awarded in arbitra

KNIGHTS

tion. In 2016, 25 players filed for arbitration and every case was settled.

The Knights are projected to have close to $19 million in salary cap space, according to Capfriendly. com.

Karlsson, 25, made $1 million last season, but he represents a unique

case after finishing third in the league with 43 goals and winning the Lady Byng Trophy as the NHL’S most gentlemanly player.

He had 18 goals in his first three NHL seasons, and the Knights must decide whether to offer Karlsson a long-term contract based on his breakout performance or wait to see if he can replicate his career season.

By going through a potentially contentious arbitration hearing, the

Knights risk losing Karlsson when he is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in 2020.

Karlsson would command a massive contract should he come continue to produce like a No. 1 center over the next two seasons.

Miller, 25, is due a raise after he completed a two-year, $2 million deal. He led the Knights’ defensemen in goals (10) and points (41).

Nosek posted seven goals and 15

points in 67 games playing on the Knights’ fourth line. He added four goals in the postseason, including three in the Stanley Cup Final.

Nosek finished a two-year contract that came with a $612,500 salary cap hit.

Contact David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203. Follow @ Davidschoenlvrj on Twitter.