William Karlsson has emerged as one of the great surprises of the 2017-18 season, mirroring the rise of the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Swedish youngster posted just six goals during the 2016-17 season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, resulting in the team making him available in the June expansion draft. In his first campaign with the Golden Knights, Karlsson notched 43 goals, second only to Alex Ovechkin and Patrik Laine.
With the Stanley Cup Final slated to get underway Monday, Karlsson lamented a lack of opportunity with his former club.
"I've always wanted to be a top-six player," Karlsson said to ESPN's Emily Kaplan. "Not being one in Columbus was really frustrating. I wanted the chance."
The 25-year-old revealed that playing in a diminished scoring role took its toll on his confidence, but that he used his change of scenery to revitalize his career.
"There have been times when I doubted myself, could I really do this?" Karlsson said. "Then I got picked by Vegas and I thought to myself this is my big chance. It's up to me to take it. I'm glad I took it."
On the verge of trying to pull off what was once believed to be an impossible feat, Karlsson will play an imperative role in the Golden Knights' bid to lift the Cup this summer.
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