"I love playing in Vegas. I couldn't imagine playing anywhere else. I'm hoping we can work out a long-term deal and I'll be here for my whole career."
Karlsson scored 43 goals last season but six the season before, muddying his true value. If Karlsson scores 40 or more again this coming season, he'll be in for a larger payday. If he regresses a bit, his value could potentially drop. Discussions on a longer-term deal, likely similar to those of his linemates Reilly Smith and Jonathan Marchessault (who are both on long-term deals at $5 million per season), were held but never found the traction needed.
The one-year bridge deal gives both sides an opportunity to breathe a bit and get a more clear picture of what Karlsson truly is as a player. Vegas would be thrilled if he were able to score 40 or more this season.
"We'll pay him whatever he deserves and be happy to do so," said Golden Knights GM George McPhee. "William's an excellent player and we want to have him with us for a long time. We'll see how this plays out. This is a fair deal for both sides."
Vegas now has a top line, arguably the best 5-on-5 trio in the NHL last season, with a combined salary of $15.25 million which is a coup for McPhee and his director of hockey legal affairs Andrew Lugerner.
Karlsson says he's eager to pick right up where he left off last season.
"I love playing with Reilly and Jonathan and I think we're a real good line," said Karlsson. "The opportunity to play the minutes we did last season and for me to play with such good players was a big factor in my success. We think the same way and we believe in the same things as players. The goal is to have the same kind of season as we did last year."
Karlsson's contract contains as $500,000 signing bonus and a salary of $4.75 million. He'll be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer and his qualifying offer will be be based on $4.75 million.
