Karlsson asks for $6.5M

Golden Knights offer RFA center one-year deal at $3.5M

William Karlsson is seeking a significant raise from the Golden Knights following his career season.

The restricted free-agent center is asking for $6.5 million annually in salary, according to arbitration filings submitted by Karlsson and the team and confirmed Thursday by the Review-journal. The Knights countered with an offer of $3.5 million annually.

The team has the option of selecting a one- or two-year deal for Karlsson

in arbitration. The two sides can continue to negotiate a contract before Saturday’s hearing in Toronto. Sportsnet in Canada first reported the salary filings early Thursday.

Karlsson made $1 million last season when he finished third in the NHL with 43 goals. The 25-year-old won the Lady Byng Trophy as the league’s most gentlemanly player and was 10th in the voting for the MVP award.

Karlsson also finished sixth in the voting for the Selke Trophy, which goes to the top defensive forward, after leading the league in plus-minus rating.

However, Karlsson produced 18 goals in the previous three seasons combined, which makes it difficult to compare him to other players and project his value.

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