William Karlsson
The sharpshooting Swedish center nicknamed 'Wild Bill' who authored one of hockey's great breakout seasons, becoming an instant foundational piece for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Swedish ice hockey player·Birthday: January 8·Millennials
Biography
William Karlsson's story is a testament to the magic of the right opportunity. For years, he was a competent but unspectacular forward, bouncing between the Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets as a depth player known more for his defensive responsibility than his scoring touch. Then came the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft. Selected by the brand-new Vegas Golden Knights, Karlsson was thrust into a top-line role. The result was one of the most shocking and delightful individual seasons in modern hockey history. Nicknamed 'Wild Bill' for his flowing hair, he erupted for 43 goals, shattering his previous career high of nine. His sudden, lethal shooting accuracy, combined with his already-strong two-way play, made him the perfect prototype for the Knights' fast, aggressive system. He wasn't a flash-in-the-pan; Karlsson solidified himself as a core player, an alternate captain, and a key figure in Vegas's relentless pursuit of success, helping to hoist the Stanley Cup in 2023. He transformed from a role player into a franchise pillar.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
William was born in 1993, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When William Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
William's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored 43 goals in the 2017-18 season, a shocking breakout that helped define the Vegas Golden Knights' inaugural success.
- Won the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023.
- Served as an alternate captain for the Vegas Golden Knights, recognized as a core leader of the team.
- Recorded a plus/minus rating of +49 in the 2017-18 season, leading the NHL.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Wild Bill' was given to him by Blue Jackets teammate Jack Skille for his long, unkempt hair as a rookie.
He is known for his exceptional plus/minus statistics, frequently ranking among the league's best in that category.
He played for Team Sweden at the IIHF World Championships, winning a gold medal in 2018.
His father, Jan Karlsson, also played professional hockey in Sweden.
“I just try to shoot the puck and see what happens.”
