Golden Knights GM Slams Media Over ‘Shameful’ Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon dismissed recent trade speculation involving two of the franchise’s top players, criticizing the media for spreading inaccurate information.
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Those two players are forwards William Karlsson and Tomas Hertl, who found their names in the rumor mill because of Vegas’ need for salary cap room to land Mitch Marner in the sign-and-trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Speaking after finalizing the acquisition of Marner, McCrimmon said he had to personally tell both veterans that no trades involving them were in the works, or even being considered.
“It’s shameful that I had to phone William Karlsson and say, ‘Karly, I’m sorry you’ve gotta go through this (expletive), you’re not for trade,” McCrimmon said. “Tomas, relax, you’re not for trade.’”
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Leading up to the Marner deal, EliteProspects’ Cam Robinson linked Hertl to the Carolina Hurricanes. Hertl, who had 32 goals and 61 points in 73 regular-season games last season, addressed the speculation during an interview with Czech outlet hokej.cz.
“Honestly, I didn’t even know – it was the people around me who told me,” Hertl said. “Then general manager Kelly McCrimmon called me and said he was sorry that this had even come up, and that nothing was being discussed.”
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard (30) makes a save as Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson attempts to deflect the puck during overtime of Game 2 of the teams’ second-round playoff series.Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Karlsson, who endured an injury-filled season and was limited to just nine goals and 29 points in 53 regular-season games, was also the subject of trade speculation.
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Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, however, pushed back against those rumors right before the NHL Draft, when Vegas reached the deal with Toronto for Marner.
Ultimately, both players stayed put, and Vegas still found a way to land Marner, sending forward Nicolas Roy the other way as part of the trade.
Related: Golden Knights GM Explains Why Vegas Traded for Mitch Marner
Related: Mitch Marner Reveals What He’s Heard About Vegas’ Jack Eichel
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.