It was a welcome sight for both William Karlsson and his Vegas Golden Knights teammates when he returned to action for Game 1 of the Second Round against the Anaheim Ducks on May 4.
The 33-year-old alternate captain had missed nearly six months recovering from a lower-body injury, having last played on Nov. 8, 2025.
“It’s tough when you aren’t able to do what you love,” said Karlsson. “Getting back is just such a great feeling.”
His teammates and coaches no doubt feel the same way about having him back in the lineup.
Karlsson has been a key contributor for Vegas since he came to the Golden Knights through the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft.
He netted a career-high 78 points in his first year with the Golden Knights, a season in which he also led the NHL with a plus-49 rating and was awarded the Lady Byng Trophy for his skillful and gentlemanly play.
In the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Karlsson played a lead role in helping the first-year Golden Knights advance to the Stanley Cup Final.
During the Golden Knights’ championship run in 2022, Karlsson was equally as impactful, recording 17 points, including 11 goals, in 22 games while also shutting down the opposition’s top players.
“It was something you dreamed of when you were a kid, hoping you would get the chance to play for the Cup. But to actually win it is just the most amazing feeling in the world. It is a moment you will never forget.”
Now, three years after the Cup triumph, he’s back again, hoping to see his name etched twice on hockey’s most coveted team trophy. In Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Carolina Hurricanes, Karlsson contributed to a Golden Knights win with a second period goal.
And, in typical fashion, the Swedish forward known as Wild Bill is still making a difference at both ends of the ice.
“Obviously, I go out each shift with the mindset of trying to score a goal but always respecting that it goes both ways,” said Karlsson, who has recorded 34 goals, 79 points and a plus-50 rating in 121 NHL post-season games. “You always want to do something that helps bring energy to the team.”
A team, in Karlsson’s view, that doesn’t have to be flashy to be effective.
“I would identify us as a group that is committed to working hard and do all the little boring things. I think we’ve been very connected throughout these playoffs.”
Keeping it simple outside of the high-pressure games remains Karlsson’s go-to approach.
“I just prepare and relax as I always have. I get what I need on practice day and then go home to my family.
“I am just happy to be back and to be part of this team.”
His biggest fans are, too.
“I am so happy to see William back doing what he loves after being gone for six long months,” said Emily Ferguson, Karlsson’s wife. “And I am just very proud and happy to bring our kids [sons Beckham and Lars] to the games.”
There is where they get to watch No. 71 chase another Stanley Cup.
