Avalanche rivals react after shocking behaviour sparks massive backlash across the NHL
Photo credit: Lucas Peltier / Imagn Images
Colorado Avalanche divisional rival Vegas Golden Knights' GM Kelly McCrimmon recently addressed the media and acknowledged having to clarify and correct false trade rumours involving veteran stars William Karlsson and Tomas Hertl.
Vegas also made the biggest splash this offseason, acquiring the NHL's top UFA in Mitch Marner in a trade-and-sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Avalanche rivals react after shocking trade rumours.
Julian Gaudio from Yahoo Sports writes that leading up to the completion of the Marner deal, trade rumours about Hertl heading to the Carolina Hurricanes and Karlsson potentially being moved to free up cap space gained significant attention.
McCrimmon addressed the media following the nasty trade rumours involving Vegas' core veteran stars...
"It's shameful that I had to phone William Karlsson and say, 'Karly, I'm sorry you've gotta go through this sh*t, you're not for trade. Tomáš, relax, you're not for trade." -McCrimmon
Ultimately, both players stayed with the team. Hertl enjoyed an outstanding first full season with the Golden Knights, tallying 32 goals and 61 points over 73 games. At 31 years old, he excelled in his role, dominating as a net-front presence and bumper on the top power play unit.
Recently, Hertl sat down for an interview with a Czech media outlet, where he addressed the trade rumours surrounding him.
«Honestly, I didn't even know - it was the people around me who told me. I knew the situation - they can't trade me at all until July 1, and then I have three teams that I can choose from. Then general manager Kelly McCrimmon, called me and said he was sorry that this had even come up, and that nothing was being discussed. I was calm; I have the situation in hand. When a journalist writes something, everyone's reaction is quick. I know that (the Golden Knights) are counting on me for next year, but you can never know anything 100 percent. That's just how it works.» -Hert
Unsurprisingly, as trade rumours about Karlsson gained momentum, several teams showed interest. However, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman repeatedly emphasized their belief that Karlsson was not actually for trade.
"The 2024-25 season was challenging for the 32-year-old. His defensive game remained potent, but offensively, he scored just nine goals and 29 points in 53 games, dealing with a pair of injuries." -Gaudio
Now in the seventh year of his eight-year contract worth $5.9 million annually, Karlsson continues to be a key contributor to the Golden Knight's' success. A healthy bounce-back season could be crucial in solidifying the team's Stanley Cup aspirations.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 10 | 19 ANSWERS Avalanche rivals react after shocking behaviour sparks massive backlash across the NHL Will the Golden Knights finish ahead of the Colorado Avalanche next season? | ||
| yes | 6 | 31.6 % |
| no | 13 | 68.4 % |
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