WHAT TO EXPECT

Stats say THN’s fantasy Vegas draft makes grade

We’ve drafted the team (see pg. 26). Now let’s assess how good Vegas can be next year.

Using each player’s last three years of Game Score, a model that combines every basic stat into a single measure of value, it’s possible to get a rough estimate for this team’s talent level. Based on who “GM” Matt Larkin picked, Vegas should be an 86-point team next year, which gives them a nearly 25 percent shot at the playoffs.

The Golden Knights will be in the bottom half of the league but closer to 20th than 30th. There may not be a lot of brand-name talent, but there are some solid and unheralded contributors.

Anthony Mantha and Jakob Silfverberg lead a forward group that lacks star power but has the depth to match most teams. It grades out at average for the league, which isn’t bad for a group of misfits. Goalie Calvin Pickard has flashed brilliance in his short career, suggesting he’s capable of being a starter. He’ll need to be great, as defense is one glaring weakness, with no clear top-pair blueliners.

Our mock team won’t be great or even good, but it won’t be an easy win. It might even challenge for a playoff spot.