History of William Karlsson in Timeline

William Karlsson, nicknamed "Wild Bill", is a Swedish professional ice hockey player currently serving as a forward and alternate captain for the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL. Drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in 2011, Karlsson has also played for the Columbus Blue Jackets. His career highlights include his pivotal role with the Golden Knights.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

January 1993: William Karlsson's Birth

Lars William Karlsson, nicknamed "Wild Bill", was born in January 1993. He is a Swedish professional ice hockey player.

Others born on this day/year

2011: Drafted by Anaheim Ducks

In 2011, William Karlsson was drafted in the second round, 53rd overall, by the Anaheim Ducks in the NHL entry draft.

2011: Allsvenskan Season and Elitserien Debut

In the 2011-12 season, Karlsson finished in 12th place in Allsvenskan scoring after recording 45 points in 46 games, the second-most on his team. He also made his senior Elitserien debut with HV71 in 2011.

May 2013: Signed with Anaheim Ducks

On May 20, 2013, Karlsson signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks, who had drafted him in 2011. He was then loaned back to HV71 for the 2013–14 season.

October 2014: NHL Debut and First Goals

On October 11, 2014, Karlsson made his NHL debut. On October 13, 2014, he scored his first and second NHL goals against Michal Neuvirth of the Buffalo Sabres.

March 2015: Trade to Columbus Blue Jackets

On March 2, 2015, Karlsson was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets (along with Rene Bourque and a second-round draft pick in 2015) in exchange for James Wisniewski and a third-round pick in 2015.

June 2017: Selected by Vegas Golden Knights in Expansion Draft

On June 21, 2017, Karlsson was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL expansion draft after being left "exposed" by the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets traded a first-round pick in 2017, a second-round pick in 2019, and injured forward David Clarkson to Vegas in exchange for the Golden Knights selecting Karlsson.

December 2017: First NHL Hat-Trick

On December 31, 2017, Karlsson scored his first career NHL hat-trick against the Toronto Maple Leafs, which was also the first hat-trick in Golden Knights history.

2017: Selected by Vegas Golden Knights

In 2017, Karlsson was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL expansion draft and helped the team reach the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season. During his first season in Vegas, Karlsson scored a career-high 43 goals and became the franchise all-time leader in goals.

March 2018: Second NHL Hat-Trick

On March 18, 2018, Karlsson scored his second career NHL hat-trick against the Calgary Flames.

August 2018: Signed One-Year Contract with Vegas

On August 4, 2018, after a career-high season, Karlsson signed a new one-year, $5.25 million contract with Vegas for the 2018–19 season, betting on himself to prove his performance was not a fluke.

2018: Produced 24 goals and 32 assists

In the 2018–19 season, Karlsson produced 24 goals and 32 assists (56 points).

June 2019: Signed Eight-Year Contract with Vegas

On June 24, 2019, Karlsson signed a new eight-year, $47.2 million contract with Vegas, with an average annual value of $5.9 million. The contract runs from the 2019–20 season through the end of the 2026–27 season.

2019: Blue Jackets Trade

In 2019, the Blue Jackets traded a second-round pick as part of the agreement for the Golden Knights to select Karlsson in 2017.

2022: Reached Stanley Cup Final

By the 2022–23 season, Karlsson was one of six remaining original members of the Golden Knights. The team reached the Stanley Cup Final for the second time, winning the Cup over the Florida Panthers in five games.

2023: Stanley Cup win with Vegas

In 2023, Karlsson won the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights, becoming one of six original members of the team to win the Stanley Cup six years later.