Knights will have good options
The NHL has approved rules designed to provide the Vegas Golden Knights with the best talent supply an expansion team has received.
But that doesn’t mean the Golden Knights will load up on 20-goal scorers and impact defensemen in the expansion draft.
NHL teams can protect either seven forwards, three defensemen and one goalie or one goalie and any combination of eight forwards and defensemen. First- and second-year professionals don’t have to be protected.
Teams are also required to make available at least one defenseman with 40 games played this season or 70 games over the past two seasons, plus two forwards meeting the same requirement.
Each NHL team will lose only one player. The expectation: Teams who could lose talented players will trade them before the June 21 expansion draft. Golden Knights general manager George McPhee also likely will make deals, acquiring assets not to draft certain players. They might also receive a collection of draft picks and prospects to draft high-salaried players that other NHL teams want removed from their roster.
Not knowing exactly who will be available, here is a mid-March projection of what the Vegas Golden Knights might do at the expansion draft. Mostly what they will receive are third-line forwards and third-pairing defensemen. (Stats entering Monday.)
FORWARDS
Anaheim Ducks: Jakob Silfverberg, 26, right wing: The Ducks likely will trade Silfverberg before the expansion draft. If they don’t, he would be the most productive offensive player Vegas will draft. He has scored 19 goals this season. Arizona Coyotes: Teemu Pulkinnen, 25, left wing: He hasn’t shown goal-scoring prowess in the NHL, but there’s intrigue with a player who has twice scored more than 30 goals in the American Hockey League.
Calgary Flames: Micheal Ferland, 24, left wing: He has scored 14 goals this season and is improving as a role player. Carolina Hurricanes: Lee Stempniak, 34, right wing: Carolina can protect its prized younger players. Why not take a versatile veteran with a history of producing and is on a short-term contract? Columbus Blue Jackets: William Karlsson, 24, center: He has been an effective role player for a winning Blue Jackets team. Karlsson has the skill set to expand his role. Detroit Red Wings: Riley Sheahan, 25, center: Ignore his goalless season and remember that he’s a 225-pound checking center with the hands to score 12 to 15 goals. Edmonton Oilers: Mark Letestu, 32, center: Given what the Oilers have to offer, why not take a pro’s pro who can provide a short-term fix? He has one season left on his contract. Nashville Predators: Calle Jarnkrok, 25, center: Jarnkrok has the upside and skill to be part of Vegas’ long-term planning.
New Jersey Devils: Devante Smith-Pelly, 24, right wing: He has the ability to be a 15-goal scorer.
Lindberg,New York 25, Rangers:center: He Oscarhas the potential to register 40 or more points, given the right opportunity. He could end up playing on a scoring line in Vegas. Philadelphia Flyers: Michael Raffl, 28, left wing: He has scored as many as 21 goals in a season. An underrated two-way forward.
San Jose Sharks: Chris Tierney, 22, center: Could be the youngest player taken in the expansion draft. He has played 190 NHL games and is improving.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Vladislav Namestnikov, 24, center: Could still blossom into a 20-goal scorer. A skillful, creative player.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Matt
Martin, 27, left wing: McPhee has said the Golden Knights will need a layer of toughness to measure up in the Western Conference. Martin can deliver hits, punches and some points. Winnipeg Jets: Mathieu Perreault, 29, center: McPhee drafted him in Washington and knows and trusts his abilities.
DEFENSEMEN
Buffalo Sabres: Josh Gorges, 32: The Sabres aren’t offering much, but Gorges is an experienced hand who has one season left on his contract.
Chicago Blackhawks: Trevor van Riemsdyk, 25: The Blackhawks would not want to lose him, but they have to pay a price for having too many nomovement clauses and too many high-quality players. Colorado Avalanche: Patrick Wiercioch, 26: He has paid like a No. 7 defenseman, but he can be more. He has had a history of good puck possession numbers.
Dallas Stars: Stephen Johns, 24: He has averaged 19 to 20 minutes for the Stars lately. He’s a big guy who can block shots and contribute in a variety of ways. Florida Panthers: Alex Petrovic, 25: Stands 6-4 and can play with bite. What Las Vegas needs most are players in their mid-20s who have experience and potential. Los Angeles Kings: Brayden
McNabb, 26: The capable 6-4 performer has a cap-friendly $1.55 million salary.
New York Islanders: Calvin de Haan, 25: His best seasons
are in front of him and those are the kind of players an expansion team needs. Minnesota Wild: Jonas
Brodin, 23: The Wild have major protection issues, and a deal could be struck between the Wild and Vegas to keep Brodin in Minnesota. Las Vegas-bred forward Jason Zucker could also be a possible choice, depending upon what happens with other trades. Ottawa Senators: Marc Methot, 31: He’s 6-3, 225 pounds and has 573 games of NHL experience. Could be dealt to a contender for young prospects. St. Louis Blues: Carl Gunnarsson, 30: He’s another steady veteran who could be peddled for prospects and draft picks.
Vancouver Canucks: Luca Sbisa, 27: The 2008 first-round pick has 451 games of NHL experience.
Washington Capitals: Nate Schmidt, 25: He has turned into a dependable performer and is young enough to fit into the Golden Knights’ long-term plans.
GOALIES
Boston Bruins: Malcolm Subban, 23: The younger brother of P.K. Subban was a 2012 first-round pick with the potential to be a No. 1 goalie in the future. Montreal Canadiens: Al Montoya, 32: Considered one of the NHL’s top backup goalies. He has the ability to own the net for extended periods.
Pittsburgh Penguins:
Marc-Andre Fleury, 32: This will only happen if Fleury wants it. He has a no-move clause. The more likely scenario would be that he would be dealt to another team. Fleury has served the Penguins well, and they want to be as helpful as they can be in his relocation. He is a highly respected person and player, perfect for a team that needs to market the game.