NHL Las Vegas: Mock Expansion Draft

NHL Las Vegas: Mock Expansion Draft (Preseason/Training Camp Edition)

NHL Las Vegas has come a long way since our first mock draft at the beginning of the summer. They’ve since hired a General Manager (George McPhee) and continue to fill out their front office with experienced individuals.

Owner Bill Foley recently told media that the league’s 31st franchise will announce their team name in a press conference sometime next month (October). The choices are apparently down to three trademarked names that will see NHL Las Vegas called the “(something) knights”. Those selections include Silver, Golden, and Desert Knights.

Once again, we turn to the NHL Expansion Tool on GeneralFanager.com. We’ve seen a bit of movement since our first release at the beginning of the summer and expect to see more as certain players meet their inevitable fate of being traded. Let’s remember, it’s still too early to make definitive judgments on particular selections, but these mock drafts are a great exercise to gauge the possibilities that might exist.

NHL Las Vegas Expansion Rules:

– Las Vegas must select at least 14 forwards, 9 defense, 3 goalies
– One selection from all 30 teams
– Minimum 20 players under contract for 17/18 (RFAs considered under contract)
– Expansion club must spend between 60-100 percent of salary cap (min. 43.8 million dollars)

Mock Draft Notes:

– Avoiding Marc-Andre Fleury/Ben Bishop until we have a clearer answer on the pair’s future
– New York Rangers F Rick Nash runs the risk of being left unprotected (could be a top option for NHL Las Vegas if so).
– Anaheim Ducks D Cam Fowler was left unprotected, but not taken in our mock. Signs point to him being the odd man out in an eventual trade.
– If Tampa Bay keeps Ryan Callahan and Valtteri Filppula (both with no-movement clauses), they stand to leave the likes of Alex Killorn, Vladislav Namestnikov, and J.T. Brown available.
– Brodin was included in our mock this time around since it looks like Minnesota is prepared to lose a top four defender (likely Brodin or Marco Scandella).