The Lady Byng has been awarded to top end players since 1925 and this list of winners includes Wayne Gretzky, Brett Hull, Ron Francis, Pierre Turgeon, Paul Kariya, Jari Kurri, Bobby Hull and Butch Goring to name a few.
Karlsson got the word about his nomination on Friday and sat down with us for a few minutes.
Thoughts on scoring 43 goals and being a finalist for the Lady Byng…
Yeah, not too bad. Who would've thought. But yeah, it's what happens sometimes when you get the chance and I obviously play with great players too. It's been incredibly fun.
Thoughts on if he ever wished he had more chances in Columbus…
Yeah, I did think that. That's what I've always wanted, to be in a top six role. There were some times where I would question myself if I could really do it, but I kind of knew all the time that I had it in me. Obviously getting drafted by Vegas gave me a huge opportunity and that's when I really said in my mind, "this is my chance and I'm going to take it." I think I did, yeah.
Thoughts on how much of the success has been a combination of playing with Reilly Smith and Jonathan Marchessault…
Yeah, pretty much the whole year. It's rare that you find those guys that you have such great chemistry with. It was kind of right away too. We kind of play the same game. It's been so fun. They think the same way that I do and they're not afraid to make mistakes and even if one of us misses a pass it's just part of our game and we'll try next shift. They fit me really well and I think I fit them too. For all three of us it's been pretty fun.
Thoughts on if the team is more vocal with holding each other accountable…
Not so much. It's more of a one guy asking, "oh were you open there," kind of like that. And we're like, "yeah but don't worry about it" because we know next time he's going to hit it. You know. Then they pass me so many great passes, so I don't think I can go up to them and be like "why didn't you pass that," because I know I'm going to get it next time anyways and they know that too if they make the play. I think we have a great relationship, all three of us. We're trying to have as much fun as possible too.
Thoughts on what role Gerard Gallant has had in his success…
I mean he gave me the chance. He put me on the wing first which I didn't quite like. But after a few games he put me in the middle with Smith. Marchessault was injured at the time but then he came too and from there it just kind of snowballed. He put me out there in every situation too, penalty kill, power play, five on five, four on four. So yeah, he's a huge part of why I did so well this year.
Thoughts on if his coaching style suits him…
Yeah, I like that. He's kind of laid back. You can go make jokes with him and stuff like that. And he's serious when he needs to be serious. I think he mixes that really well, to know when he needs to be serious and also know when he can be relaxed. Kind of joke around and stuff like that. Pretty unique coach and I love playing under him.
