Vegas Golden Knights Weigh Trade Rumors In Offseason

SAN JOSE, CA – JANUARY 07: Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson (71) looks on during a stoppage of play during a NHL game against the San Jose Sharks on January 7, 2025 at SAP Center in San Jose, CA.

Recent trade rumors have centered on Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson as the team tries to navigate a tight salary cap situation. James Mirtle of The Athletic reported on Monday that moving Karlsson, who has a $5.9 million cap hit for two more years, could provide the financial flexibility the Knights need to make a competitive offer for pending free agent Mitch Marner.

However, Mirtle clarified that the Golden Knights do not appear eager to trade Karlsson. Elliotte Friedman echoed this sentiment in the latest episode of his podcast, commenting, “There’s a lot of crazy stuff flying around at this time of year.” He noted that while the Knights may be assessing their roster, he has not heard any definitive indications that they are actively shopping Karlsson.

Friedman stated, “I asked around about Karlsson, and the people I speak to told me they had either no indication Vegas was willing to do it or had been specifically told Vegas wasn’t doing it.” This suggests that while speculation abounds, the uncertainty surrounding his potential trade is prevalent.

Despite the mounting rumors, Karlsson’s importance to the Golden Knights cannot be overlooked. The 32-year-old center has proven to be a key player, especially in the postseason where he ranked fifth on the team in scoring.

With the possibility of seeking a big-name player like Marner, the Golden Knights face a dilemma. Trading Karlsson could free up cap space but would also mean losing a vital component of their lineup. The offseason has only just begun, and all eyes will be on the Knights as they make crucial decisions regarding their roster.