Pierre LeBrun: Hearing that William Karlsson will be signing an eight-year contract extension with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Getting the full eight years was really important to him as he loves it in Vegas.
Jesse Granger: Karlsson’s deal will have an AAV of $5.9 million. The contract is expected to be signed in the next two days.
The 26-year old Karlsson was drafted 53rd overall in the 2nd round of the 2011 draft by the Anaheim Ducks.
Thoughts from the media
Pierre LeBrun: “Karlsson camp fought hard for the max term. The Knights pushed hard for a reasonable AAV which the team got. Like I said, Karlsson really didn’t want to leave. If there was no extension he possibly would have got dealt this summer.”
Jesse Granger: Fantastic deal for the Golden Knights, who get one of the best defensive centers in hockey who has the upside to score 30+ goals/year. Great deal for William Karlsson, who finally gets his long-term deal, and in Las Vegas where he absolutely loves it. Well done by both sides.”
SinBin.vegas: “In the end, William Karlsson didn’t want to go, VGK knew it all along, and $46.4 million is A LOT of money. Everyone wins (especially VGK).”
Danny Webster: “As Jesse pointed out, #VegasBorn can go 10 percent over the cap during the offseason. A $5.9 million AAV deal, with current cap, would put Golden Knights at about $89 million. Trades still need to happen as the summer moves on, but this is a win-win.”
Danny Webster: “He just wanted security. He’s been wanting a multi-year deal ever since Marchessault signed his extension. He didn’t want to be low-balled, but he’s wanted a respectable deal with years intact.”