William Karlsson Trade Could Be Kickstart To Huge Golden Knights' Offseason

The Vegas Golden Knights have some work to do this offseason and only $9.6 million in projected cap space. The team has five UFAs and four RFAs to deal with, so they will have to free up money while also planning to make some upgrades. To do this, money will have to be moved out.

For this reason, William Karlsson's name has been in trade rumors as Jack Eichel, Tomas Hertl, and Nicolas Roy are all very capable centermen and Karlsson's cap hit is a bit high for a third line center. Karlsson, who is now 32 years old, has two years left on his deal at $5.9 million AAV. After some great seasons and some other solid seasons in Vegas, he arguably had his worst one this season, scoring just nine goals and 29 points in 53 games. His goals for % was great, but it helps being on a division winning Golden Knights team as well.

James Mirtle said that Vegas may move Karlsson to make room for Mitch Marner or other top players. With the strength down the middle, it is very likely the Golden Knights are looking to upgrade the wing, which was their weakest area last season. The team brought in some short-term fixes with Reilly Smith, Tanner Pearson, Brandon Saad, and Victor Oloffson, but it wasn't enough.

Brett Howden, who should fit in on the third line, is projected to play in the top-6 without any additions. At least one big name is going to be targeted, and due to the winning pedigree of the Golden Knights, they have never really found it tough to bring in players. While Marner's name was mentioned, it doesn't necessarily mean Vegas is going to only show interest in upgrading through free agency. Though it will take assets to bring in a player through a trade, money would be saved and the Golden Knights won't have to deal with as long of a term.

Vegas is always a team to watch as they manage to make big moves every year and are never idle when it comes to making their team better and trying to win. This offseason shouldn't be any different with a clear need that is going to be addressed.

When it comes to trading Karlsson this offseason, I don't think the Golden Knights will have too tough of a time considering the market for centers is very weak.