Karlsson Key 200-Foot Player In Second Season

Following his second full season with the Vegas Golden Knights, William Karlsson said Vegas is where he wants to be.
Karlsson, 26, scored 56 points (24G, 32A) while playing in all 82 games for the second consecutive season for the Golden Knights. He led the team in faceoff wins (588) and paced the club in power-play goals (7). The Marsta, Sweden native tacked on new career-highs with 55 blocked shots and 51 hits. Vegas' first-line center is yet to miss a game with the Golden Knights making him one of the more durable players in the NHL.

"I take a lot of pride in that [playing in 82 games in back to back seasons]. It's a tough league so for sure. I feel happy about myself," Karlsson said, "As for my body, I feel pretty good. Just minor stuff that anyone can get through. I've been lucky these past two years. Knock on wood. I can play 82 more games next year."
His 56 points were a swift change from the 78 points (43G, 35A) he had in the 2017-18 season, but Karlsson was still a key 200-foot player all season long. Karlsson was one of five players this season to record 20 goals, 50 blocked shots and 70 takeaways. Vegas was the only team to have two players reach those numbers (Mark Stone). It was Karlsson's second consecutive season with at least 70 takeaways.

Offensively, he was achieved some notable milestones. He scored the fastest goal in team history on Nov. 24; 14 seconds in against the San Jose Sharks at T-Mobile Arena surpassing his own mark set nearly a year to the day, Nov. 19, against the Kings at :55.

After his breakout season, Karlsson followed it up becoming the first player in franchise history to record 100 points as a Golden Knight, an assist against the Chicago Blackhawks on Dec. 6, 2018. He appeared in his 150th game in a Golden Knights sweater on March 6, 2019 versus the Calgary Flames.

Making his third appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and second with the Golden Knights, Karlsson netted his first shorthanded postseason goal against the San Jose Sharks on April 12, 2019.

The Golden Knights signed Karlsson to a one-year contract on Aug. 4, avoiding an arbitration hearing. This offseason, Karlsson will again be a restricted free agent. He and Vegas can reach a new deal at any time. Karlsson said he is aiming to sign a long-term deal with Vegas for this upcoming season. He added that he has adapted to the Las Vegas area within the past two seasons, and definitely considers it home.
"Well it's nice to just have a long-term [deal]," Karlsson said. "To not have to deal with these kinds of questions after every year, I mean, this is where I want to be. Ever since I got here, I've been very happy both on and off the ice. I see this team has a great chance of winning in the future. This is definitely where I want to be and be a part of."