Selecting Vegas Golden Knights Expansion Roster: Take One
By Trin Potratz
At centre, I selected Florida’s Nick Bjugstad, Detroit’s Darren Helm, Nashville’s Calle Jarnkrok, Buffalo’s Zemgus Girgensons, Philadelphia’s Nick Cousins and Calgary’s Hunter Shinkaruk.
Nick Bjugstad has not lived up to his lengthy contract, which prompted Florida to expose him. He is worth the risk considering he is only 24-years-old and he had a 43-point sophomore season. This year he only has nine points in 42 games. Injuries have been a problem in Bjugstad’s career, but hopefully he can put them behind him and develop into a solid pivot.
I selected Darren Helm to be a leader on an otherwise young club. While Helm has not produced more than 33 points in his career, he is a valuable two-way player. Helm’s contract will keep him in Vegas for the next four seasons at a cap hit of $3.85 million which is solid for a leader.
Calle Jarnkrok is on an absolute bargain contract of $2 million per for the next five seasons. He’s a strong two-way player who chips on an average of 30 points per season. Jarkrok is a solid third line centre and will play a vital role on a budget.
Nobody expected Zemgus Girgensons to be a scorer in the league, but it looks like he will never be able to contribute enough to warrant a spot in the top nine. Either way, he’s a 23-year-old with four years of NHL experience and will play a bottom six role. Maybe the increased ice time will prompt more offence.
Nick Cousins is playing in his first full pro season in the NHL and it looks like he will be able to become a top nine forward. He’ll fight it out for a job in the top nine, whether it be on the wing or at centre. Another 23-year-old player with potential.
The selection of Hunter Shinkaruk is based solely on rekindling his offence. The 2013 1st rounder is struggling this season, but he has all the tools to put it together. Vegas will keep Shinkaruk in the minors in his first season with the club.