Mock Expansion Draft: Golden Knights Select Best Players Available
JUNE 18TH, 2017 Larry Fisher LARRY FISHER

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George McPhee is going to be a busy man over the next few days — perhaps the busiest man on the planet — leading up to Wednesday’s unveiling of the Vegas Golden Knights’ expansion draft roster.

McPhee will be wheeling and dealing, engaging in trade negotiations with most, if not all of the NHL’s 30 other teams. A few deals are already done, according to reports, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see that total climb into double-digits by the time the selections are announced.

Reason being, other teams don’t want to lose key cogs in their lineup and the Golden Knights are building for the future as much or more so than the present. So expect to see Vegas land plenty of prospects and draft picks in exchange for passing on win-now players.


George McPhee, Vegas Golden Knights, NHL
(THW file photo)
Vegas Golden Knights general manager George McPhee, left, will be engaged in trade talks with the likes of Ray Shero, now the GM of the New Jersey Devils, in advance of Wednesday’s expansion draft.

Now, forget that reality for a second. With the protected lists being released on Sunday morning — and thankfully being made public — it begged the following questions:

What if the Golden Knights refused to make any trades and simply picked the best players available to ice the best team possible?

What would that roster look like? Would it be a playoff team?

Before answering those questions, it should be noted that had Vegas been taking that approach, the other teams would have made several more trades amongst themselves in advance of submitting their protected lists on Saturday. The relative lack of movement was a clear indication that Vegas is more than willing to accept futures for avoiding certain players.

Forgetting that reality again, let’s have some fun and take a look at the full potential of this Golden Knights’ roster if Bill Foley was demanding the best and nothing but the best.


Playing within the expansion draft rules, as far as minimum requirements for positions, contracts and salary, here are the best players available to the Golden Knights with the teams listed in alphabetical order, followed by my selections and lineup(s).


(Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)
The Anaheim Ducks apparently have a deal in place with Vegas to prevent the Golden Knights from selecting puck-moving defenceman Sami Vatanen. Otherwise, he’d be the obvious choice. It will be interesting to see what, and who, Vegas gets instead. My money is on one of Brandon Montour or more likely Shea Theodore joining the Golden Knights. Sam Steel could be another possible target for Vegas.

Anaheim Ducks — Sami Vatanen (RHD)/Josh Manson (RHD)

Arizona Coyotes — Jamie McGinn (LW)/Louis Domingue (G)/Kevin Connauton (LHD)/Alex Burmistrov (C)

Boston Bruins — Adam McQuaid (RHD)/Colin Miller (RHD)/Malcolm Subban (G)

Buffalo Sabres — Zach Bogosian (RHD)/Matt Moulson (LW)/Linus Ullmark (G)/William Carrier (LW)/Dmitry Kulikov (LHD, UFA)

Calgary Flames — Troy Brouwer (RW)/Kris Versteeg (RW, UFA)/Matt Stajan (C)/Alex Chiasson (RW)/Lance Bouma (LW)/Tyler Wotherspoon (LHD)/Brett Kulak (LHD)

Carolina Hurricanes — Lee Stempniak (RW)/Joakim Nordstrom (C)/Cam Ward (G)/Eddie Lack (G)/Klas Dahlbeck (LHD)

Chicago Blackhawks — Trevor van Riemsdyk (RHD)/Marcus Kruger (C)

Colorado Avalanche — Carl Soderberg (C)/Mikhail Grigorenko (C)/Calvin Pickard (G)/Joe Colborne (C)/Mark Barberio (LHD)/Patrick Wiercioch (LHD)/Duncan Siemens (LHD)


(Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports)
The Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly trading their first-round pick (24th overall) in Friday’s entry draft, along with a prospect, to the Golden Knights to ensure McPhee passes up the opportunity to pick Josh Anderson, seen here celebrating a goal. It was rumoured that Ryan Murray would be exposed by Columbus as part of that agreement, instead of Jack Johnson. However, Murray did end up on Columbus’ protected list, so he won’t be an option for Vegas.

Columbus Blue Jackets — Jack Johnson (LHD)/ William Karlsson (C)/Josh Anderson (RW)/Joonas Korpisalo (G)/Sam Gagner (C/RW)/Matt Calvert (LW)

Dallas Stars — Cody Eakin (C/LW)/Kari Lehtonen (G)/Dan Hamhuis (LHD)/Jamie Oleksiak (LHD)

Detroit Red Wings — Petr Mrazek (G)/Riley Sheahan (C)/Darren Helm (C)/Xavier Ouellet (LHD)/Ryan Sproul (RHD)

Edmonton Oilers — Benoit Pouliot (LW)/Griffin Reinhart (LHD)/Laurent Brossoit (G)/Juhjar Khaira (C/LW)/Tyler Pitlick (RW, UFA)


(Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports)
The Florida Panthers surprised some by protecting four defencemen instead of seven forwards, thus exposing the likes of 30-goal scorer Jonathan Marchessault. Granted, Marchessault’s breakout season was also a surprise, and Vegas might be more interested in Reilly Smith or Jussi Jokinen, who both have more of a history with Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant from his Florida tenure. Vegas’ pick from the Panthers promises to be one of the more intriguing selections now.

Florida Panthers — Reilly Smith (RW)/Jussi Jokinen (LW)/Jonathan Marchessault (RW)/Jason Demers (RHD)/Roberto Luongo (G)

Los Angeles Kings — Brayden McNabb (LHD)/Marian Gaborik (RW)/Dustin Brown (RW)/Trevor Lewis (C)/Jack Campbell (G)

Minnesota Wild — Matt Dumba (RHD)/Marco Scandella (LHD)/Eric Staal (C)

Montreal Canadiens — Alex Radulov (RW, UFA)/Tomas Plekanec (C)/Andrei Markov (LHD)/Charles Hudon (LW)/Jacob de la Rose (C)/Brandon Davidson (LHD)/Nikita Nesterov (LHD)

Nashville Predators — James Neal (LW)/Craig Smith (RW)/Colin Wilson (LW)/Colton Sissons (C)/Pontus Aberg (RW)/Austin Watson (RW)

New Jersey Devils — Mike Cammalleri (LW)/Jon Merrill (LHD)


(Amy Irvin/The Hockey Writers)
The New York Islanders are another team that had difficult decisions to make, surprisingly protecting five defencemen, including Adam Pelech over Calvin de Haan. One would think Vegas prefers de Haan, but the Golden Knights could also pluck a talented forward from the Islanders if they so desire. Don’t be surprised if McPhee and Garth Snow end up making a side deal of some sort between now and Wednesday, allowing the Islanders to retain a few more players.

New York Islanders — Josh Bailey (RW)/Brock Nelson (C)/Ryan Strome (RW)/Calvin de Haan (LHD)/Thomas Hickey (LHD)/Jaroslav Halak (G)

New York Rangers — Antti Raanta (G)/Michael Grabner (RW)/Oscar Lindberg (C)/Jesper Fast (RW)/Brendan Smith (LHD, UFA)

Ottawa Senators — Bobby Ryan (RW)/Marc Methot (LHD)/Fredrik Claesson (LHD)/Chris Wideman (RHD)/Clarke MacArthur (LW)

Philadelphia Flyers — Michal Neuvirth (G)/Matt Read (RW)/Michael Raffl (LW)/Michael Del Zotto (LHD, UFA)/Jordan Weal (C, UFA)

Pittsburgh Penguins — Marc-Andre Fleury (G)/Carl Hagelin (LW)/Bryan Rust (RW)/Derrick Pouliot (LHD)


(Amy Irvin/The Hockey Writers)
Most just assume Joe Thornton will re-sign and eventually retire with the San Jose Sharks, but given the lack of top-six centres available in the expansion draft, the Golden Knights might try to lure the bearded playmaker to Vegas.

San Jose Sharks — Joe Thornton (C, UFA), Patrick Marleau (LW/C, UFA)/Mikkel Boedker (LW)/David Schlemko (LHD)/Brenden Dillon (LHD)/Paul Martin (LHD)/Joel Ward (RW)/Aaron Dell (G)

St. Louis Blues — David Perron (LW/RW)/Jori Lehtera (C)/Nail Yakupov (LW/RW)/Dmitrij Jaskin (LW)/Magnus Paajarvi (LW)/Ty Rattie (RW)/Carl Gunnarsson (LHD)/Petteri Lindbohm (LHD)

Tampa Bay Lightning — Andrej Sustr (RHD)/Jason Garrison (LHD)/Cedric Paquette (C)/Slater Koekkoek (LHD)/Jake Dotchin (RHD)/Yanni Gourde (C/LW)

Toronto Maple Leafs — Kerby Rychel (LW)/Brendan Leipsic (LW)/Martin Marincin (LHD)/Antoine Bibeau (G)/Eric Fehr (RW)/Brian Boyle (C, UFA)

Vancouver Canucks — Reid Boucher (LW)/Brendan Gaunce (C)/Luca Sbisa (LHD)/Derek Dorsett (RW)

Washington Capitals — Philipp Grubauer (G)/Nate Schmidt (LHD)/Kevin Shattenkirk (RHD, UFA), T.J. Oshie (RW, UFA)/Karl Alzner (LHD, UFA)/Justin Williams (RW, UFA)/Brett Connolly (RW)

Winnipeg Jets — Toby Enstrom (LHD)/Marko Dano (C)/Shawn Matthias (LW)

Forgetting the salary cap exists, this would be the best possible lineup for the Golden Knights:

Forwards (16)
James Neal-Vadim Shipachyov-Alex Radulov

Mike Cammalleri-Joe Thornton-Bobby Ryan

David Perron-Cody Eakin-Reilly Smith

Benoit Pouliot-Carl Soderberg-Lee Stempniak

Kerby Rychel/Alex Burmistrov/Marko Dano/Reid Boucher

Defencemen (10)
Jack Johnson-Zach Bogosian

Calvin de Haan-Sami Vatanen

Brayden McNabb-Matt Dumba

Slater Koekkoek-Trevor van Riemsdyk

Tyler Wotherspoon-Colin Miller

Goaltenders (5)
Marc-Andre Fleury

Petr Mrazek

Michal Neuvirth

Antti Raanta

Philipp Grubauer

However, the salary cap does exist and, turns out, that is a $100-million roster — assuming Vegas signed Radulov for five years at $32.5 million ($6.5 million per) and Thornton for three years at $18 million ($6 million per) as its two key unrestricted free agents.


(Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports)

Mock Expansion Draft: Golden Knights Select Best Players Available
JUNE 18TH, 2017 Larry Fisher LARRY FISHER


However, the salary cap does exist and, turns out, that is a $100-million roster — assuming Vegas signed Radulov for five years at $32.5 million ($6.5 million per) and Thornton for three years at $18 million ($6 million per) as its two key unrestricted free agents.


(Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports)
- Nighthawk

Good read.
Cheers for that.
Should definitely make for some interesting analysis when it's all said and done.

Good read.
Cheers for that.
Should definitely make for some interesting analysis when it's all said and done.
- dbot

Or a measuring stick after trades.
Now lets see what picks LV acquires.

Good read.
Cheers for that.
Should definitely make for some interesting analysis when it's all said and done.
- dbot

watched some of the cricket match between india and pakistan. Interesting game. The most interesting part I found was how the batter can hit in any direction, saw some very good choices batters made.

Or a measuring stick after trades.
Now lets see what picks LV acquires.
- Nighthawk

with that info now I see why sbisa is unlikely to be picked.
Guess its gaunce or reid

although that is depending how many good D are protected by side deals w LV

watched some of the cricket match between india and pakistan. Interesting game. The most interesting part I found was how the batter can hit in any direction, saw some very good choices batters made.
- SMBDragon

360* of fair territory for a slobberknocker in any direction.
Bowlers r truly a skill thats hard to master

Sedins and Edler...that's it lol. And he's gone on record multiple times saying that he likes Edler and doesn't want to trade him. And there's talk of the Sedins even being brought back after their deals are done sooooo.

Also, this will be his 4th draft and off-season here so at some point the "he needs more time" excuse will start to look really stupid. Look at the roster next year, 90% of the team will be Benning contracts and the entire prospect pool are all players he drafted. This is his team.
- Nucker101

I'm on board with Benning being accountable for the mishaps…but let's be fair. He's had a touch more to deal with than just the Sedins and Edler from the Gillis era.

Yes 90% of this club will have his mark next season. I'm willing to give it a bit more time to see how some players turn out. I just think people's expectations of what needs to happen could not really be accomplished in 3 seasons.

I'm on board with Benning being accountable for the mishaps…but let's be fair. He's had a touch more to deal with than just the Sedins and Edler from the Gillis era.

Yes 90% of this club will have his mark next season. I'm willing to give it a bit more time to see how some players turn out. I just think people's expectations of what needs to happen could not really be accomplished in 3 seasons.
- LordHumungous

People seem to be missing the point. There seems to be a 50/50 split on feeling towards JB.

GMs do not sign a year to year contract for themselves. They usually sign a 3-4 year contract. Bennings contract runs out this year and I don't see Aquillini hiring him for another 3-4 year term. Too much negativity flowing his way from media and fans. I don't see Canucks signing on for four more years sorry.

People seem to be missing the point. There seems to be a 50/50 split on feeling towards JB.

GMs do not sign a year to year contract for themselves. They usually sign a 3-4 year contract. Bennings contract runs out this year and I don't see Aquillini hiring him for another 3-4 year term. Too much negativity flowing his way from media and fans. I don't see Canucks signing on for four more years sorry.
- VANTEL

I don't hate the guy but I don't think he has done enough to keep his job either.

I don't hate the guy but I don't think he has done enough to keep his job either.
- thundachunk

I don't think fans will accept another three or four years.

I don't think fans will accept another three or four years.
- VANTEL

I would. I want to see what he can draft.

I would. I want to see what he can draft.
- thundachunk

Most here believe we will finish bottom 5 next year , that will not help his cause also.

Like I said a few times. I am saying this with impartial feelings. I always had a wait and see with JB but I don't see Aquillini giving him three more years.

Most here believe we will finish bottom 5 next year , that will not help his cause also.

Like I said a few times. I am saying this with impartial feelings. I always had a wait and see with JB but I don't see Aquillini giving him three more years.
- VANTEL

Isn't it Trevors decision?

Isn't it Trevors decision?
- thundachunk

Sure

The silence is deafening! I hope Benning can pull a Zach Werenski out of his ass to go along with our first line centre this draft......It's draft week!!!

The silence is deafening! I hope Benning can pull a Zach Werenski out of his ass to go along with our first line centre this draft......It's draft week!!!
- LeftCoaster

I have a feeling Tanev will be a Golden Knight next year. This just came into play since the release lists were issued.

The Knights are going to have a lot of first round picks and lets face it they have no interest in Boucher or Sbisa.

Tanev for the 10 th and 34 th might do the trick. I think LA will dump a bad contract and a first round pick.

Canucks would then have 5 10 33 34 55 and 64

I have a feeling Tanev will be a Golden Knight next year. This just came into play since the release lists were issued.

The Knights are going to have a lot of first round picks and lets face it they have no interest in Boucher or Sbisa.

Tanev for the 10 th and 34 th might do the trick. I think LA will dump a bad contract and a first round pick.

Canucks would then have 5 10 33 34 55 and 64
- VANTEL

I'd be more than happy with another top ten pick. I don't like waiting until next years TDL because it put the prospect (if you acquire a draft pick) one year behind what this years kid will be.

I'd be more than happy with another top ten pick. I don't like waiting until next years TDL because it put the prospect (if you acquire a draft pick) one year behind what this years kid will be.
- LeftCoaster

I know everyone is throwing out Makar's name but I would go Glass and Pettersson and sign a UFA Franson or Russell as a stop gap , then go after D next year.

A succession plan of Bo Glass and Pettersson with Sutter as insurance .

I know everyone is throwing out Makar's name but I would go Glass and Pettersson and sign a UFA Franson or Russell as a stop gap , then go after D next year.

A succession plan of Bo Glass and Pettersson with Sutter as insurance .
- VANTEL

Sutter

Sutter
- LeftCoaster

Just to mentor the young kids . Comes in a single package and does not cost 14 mil

Just to mentor the young kids . Comes in a single package and does not cost 14 mil
- VANTEL

Balls of steel

The silence is deafening! I hope Benning can pull a Zach Werenski out of his ass to go along with our first line centre this draft......It's draft week!!!
- LeftCoaster

He's not a bad player. He's overpaid yes. But on a team that's not contending anytime soon, its a little easier to swallow. Unfortunately the real hate for him is what Bonino did after he left. 2 cups. But, at the end of the day, their ppgs were exactly the same. So the only difference being the money. Basically we get a faster player. But all in all, a trade that just didn't need to be made.

The funny thing now, is someone is going to drastically overpay for Bonino.
- storm88

People forget Bonino got ran out of the city. He scored 15 goals and was considered slow as molasses . The problem in Vancouver is the style we play and the core. Players leave here and have healthy careers.

We are a soft easy to figure out team .

People forget Bonino got ran out of the city. He scored 15 goals and was considered slow as molasses . The problem in Vancouver is the style we play and the core. Players leave here and have healthy careers.

We are a soft easy to figure out team .
- VANTEL

I decided to delete my comment. poor horse has been beaten too much.

The Blue Jackets are believed to be giving up their first round pick, No. 24. The Islanders are believed to be giving up a first round pick. The Blackhawks are believed to be giving up Trevor van Riemsdyk. The Ducks are believed to be giving up a big package. The Ducks don’t have a first round pick but do have some young defensemen.

The Golden Knights could have other deals in the works as teams like the Senators, Rangers, Wild, Predators and Panthers may have players they don’t want to lose.