Golden Knights star Karlsson avoids arbitration, signs one-year deal

[August 06, 2018]    The Vegas Golden Knights and star center William Karlsson avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $5.25 million deal on Saturday.

The two sides were slated to have a hearing in Toronto on Saturday before hammering out the agreement.

Karlsson reportedly requested $6.5 million while the Golden Knights offered $3.5 million.

Karlsson finished third in the NHL with 43 goals last season while helping Vegas reach the Stanley Cup Finals in its inaugural season. The Golden Knights lost to the Washington Capitals in five games.

The 25-year-old Karlsson scored 78 points and won the Lady Byng Trophy as the league's top player when it comes to sportsmanship and gentleman-like conduct.

"William had a great year for us and we are excited to now have him under contract for next season," Golden Knights general manager George McPhee said in a statement.

Vegas selected Karlsson from the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2017 expansion draft.

Karlsson has 128 points (61 goals, 67 assists) in 265 career games with Anaheim (one season), Columbus (three) and Vegas.

--Field Level Media

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