NHL Expansion Draft Eyes on Isles Picks Vegas Team

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Apr 17, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Anaheim Ducks left wing Jakob Silfverberg (33) skates during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Coyotes

D. A fifth overall pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2005, Schenn was never able to fulfill his promise he had in juniors. He won’t necessarily make a big impact in Vegas, but his defensive poise will serve the Golden Knights well in their inaugural season.. Arizona Coyotes. . Luke Schenn

Vancouver Canucks

. Luca Sbisa. D. Just like Colorado, picking from Vancouver is a mixed bag. It’s not like they’re loaded with talent. But taking Sbisa is a good pick and a good add to the Golden Knights growing defensive core. If there’s one thing the NHL Expansion Draft will give the Golden Knights, it’s solid NHL level defending.. Vancouver Canucks

San Jose Sharks

RW. Hansen is a good depth player for the San Jose Sharks, producing 20 points in the regular season. There’s no question that’s exactly what he’ll do for Vegas. His average 1:29 of PK time with the Sharks will give the Golden Knights a credible penalty killer.. San Jose Sharks. . Jannik Hansen

Anaheim Ducks

. Jakob Silfverberg. RW. With four no move clauses clogging up the Ducks protected list, Silfverberg, the teams second leading scorer in the playoffs, and 49 point player in the regular season will be left exposed. At 26 he’s just entering his prime, making him a perfect first line asset for the Golden Knights.. Anaheim Ducks

Edmonton Oilers

C. At 5’7″ Desharnais is a diminutive player in the league. But his tenacity makes him a viable draft asset. His solid defensive play is why the Oilers traded for him at the deadline. The Golden Knights will hope he brings that and his 60 point potential to Vegas.. Edmonton Oilers. . David Desharnais

Calgary Flames

Michael Stone. D. Moving to Calgary at the trade deadline, Stone will be on the move once again in the NHL Expansion Draft. He didn’t help the Flames adding only a single goal in four playoff games and six in 19 regular season game after the trade. Why take him? Stone is a year removed from a 36 point campaign with the Arizona Coyotes. Either he returns to form or Vegas can shop him at the deadline to another team like Calgary.. Calgary Flames.

Los Angeles Kings

At 6’4″ 216lbs Derek Forbort is the type of defender that does well in the Pacific Division. In his first full season with the Los Angeles Kings, he put up 18 points and was a 51.5% Corsi-For.. Los Angeles Kings. . Derek Forbort. D

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All those picks give the Vegas Golden Knights a flat $70 million cap once the dust settles on the NHL Expansion Draft. Which brings them close to the top, but with enough breathing room to make moves. It also gives them the required number of players in each position.

Will they be competitive? Because that’s the ultimate factor in the success of the NHL Expansion Draft. Maybe, they’ll be in a relatively weak Pacific Division, so that’s going to help. But making the playoffs in the first season is going to be a tough test with this group.