Friday was Nevada Day, so Saturday must be "William Karlsson Returns Day" for Vegas Golden Knights fans. The beloved center was tabbed to return to the lineup on Saturday, where he'll face the San Jose Sharks.
Bruce Cassidy says the plan is for William Karlsson to make his season debut Saturday against San Jose.
— Danny Webster (@DannyWebster21) October 24, 2024
The date? Saturday.
The setting? T-Mobile Arena.
The team? The Sharks.
That's right, Golden Knights fans. Get ready to run through a brick wall because Karlsson's expected to return on Saturday. Reinforcements will come in many forms, whether on the power play, penalty kill, or the middle lines. Regardless of where he's at, it's time to celebrate. The setting couldn't be better for a Saturday night party in Las Vegas.
The addition will help the team in many ways, giving them a special teams boost. For a unit already scoring on 38.1% of their power plays, it's a pleasant surprise to see the Swedish forward return. They're adding more strength to the unit, giving them another playmaker to work with. In addition, Karlsson's veteran experience should help players such as Alexander Holtz become more offensively adaptive and confident.
But there's one thing I would want to see Karlsson do upon returning to the lineup. No, it's not kick Tomas Hertl from his perch. Instead, it involves him doing this particular thing on a specific unit. What should the "Golden Misfit" do upon his return to the ice?
What William Karlsson should do upon returning to the Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights have had a mediocre penalty kill to start the season. They're killing off 73.7% of their penalties, ranking 21st in the NHL. That's a far cry from the power play, who's dominated the landscape so far. That's where William Karlsson comes in.
While Hertl has been the focal point of the man advantage, Karlsson's calling card comes on the penalty kill. He gravitates towards the puck and makes the necessary play, serving as an invaluable piece to the group. It's a major reason why they've been successful in the past, making Vegas a stronger defensive team in the process.
The main thing I want to see is his impact on the unit. That means going great lengths to create successful exits and dumping the puck out. That also means creating turnovers and disrupting the play, stopping the flow with the simple play. It's something the Golden Knights have lacked throughout their start, which hasn't been the same without the "Misfit."
If Karlsson shines on the unit, it'll go a long way in turning them around. After being faced with an endless array of broken plays and miscommunication, it's time for a proven veteran to step in. That's why the center's return is vital. The group hasn't done anything with their current setting, where he'll lead the way. Now that will lead to a big party in Las Vegas.