New Jersey Devils
Logical Devils Trade Target May Not Actually Be Available
Despite initial reports William Karlsson could be moved by the Vegas Golden Knights, an updated report pours cold water on the idea.
There’s little doubt that William Karlsson would be a perfect New Jersey Devils trade candidate to fill the third-line center position. However, after initial reports said he could be on his way out of Vegas, updated information pours some cold water on that idea.
There’s a lot of reporting that links Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights. As a result, James Mirtle writes Karlsson could be the sacrificial lamb to make room for the elite winger.
“The Golden Knights’ cap situation this summer is tight,” wrote Mirtle. “But if they moved someone such as William Karlsson, who has a $5.9 million cap hit for two more years, they could make a competitive Marner bid.”
Yet, in the latest 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman explains he’s heard the rumor. It’s just unfounded.
“I always want to stress this,” began Friedman. “There’s a lot of crazy stuff flying around [on social media] at this time of year. And sometimes, even for us who deal in it, it’s hard to separate fact from fiction. I’m not interested in fighting anyone that’s got William Karlsson’s name out there– to be honest, I don’t know where it came from.
“All I’m going to say is that I got pushback from teams about Karlsson,” said Friedman. “Now, I haven’t spoken to Vegas directly, and it’s always possible– and I stress this– always possible that Vegas may be talking to one or two specific teams about him that I haven’t found. But I will say, I asked a few people about Karlsson, and either they told me they’re not under the impression he’s available, or, I suspect, in at least one or two cases, they asked and were told no.”
The Devils had a major void at the third line center position last season.
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That’s part of the issue that resulted in a lack of depth scoring.
Karlsson would certainly kill two birds with one stone. Yes, last season was a down year, and he potted just nine goals in 53 games.
However, the Swedish forward is a former 40-goal scorer, scored 30 goals just two seasons ago, and averages 20 goals per year over the last eight seasons. Add his 52.6 faceoff win percentage and responsible two-way game, and you could see why he’s a desired Devils trade target.
Heck, we didn’t even mention his desirable $5.9 million average annual value over the next two seasons amid a rising salary cap.
The problem?
Karlsson is an original misfit. In fact, he’s one of the few remaining original misfits that the organization holds in high regard.
“If Karlsson’s available– and I stress if– it’s a situation out there that I haven’t found yet,” finished Friedman. “I know they really like the player. Because there was a time, a while ago, I heard something, and I checked in on it, and I was told that they really like the player.”
Friedman did say it’s not impossible. There are very few players in the NHL who are untouchable. However, this one seems unlikely.
If so, that’s a shame. Karlsson would actually fit in really well on the current roster.
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And on Threads:
Huge NO on Karlsson for me. I don’t care how much he’s scored in the past. What can he do now? Haula had an awful year with 11 goals & 10 assists averaging 14:42 average ice time in 69 games. Karlsson had 9 goals, 20 assists, averaging 17:01 ice time in 53 games. Karlsson is not gonna get 17 minutes per game with us so expect his point production to go down.
That’s nowhere even close to $5.9 in value. Palat had 15 goals, 13 assists, averaging 13:45 per night. If he was at 17 minutes he’d be right on pace with Karlsson & everyone screams about his contract which is $6 to Karlsson’s $5.9. Enormous pass on Karlsson at $5.9 plus we’d have to give up assets to get him