New York Islanders Top 3 Expansion Draft Targets

Calvin de Haan

Calvin de Haan is a nice chose for Vegas. He’s a solid defenseman who, judging by his draft scouting report by Hockey’s Future he can actually run a powerplay.

"De Haan is a solid defenseman who makes an excellent first pass and runs the power play. De Haan’s greatest attribute is his outstanding skating. His fluid stride and quick feet allow him to play sound positional defense — and make up for any mistakes he may make."

Add to the fact that he’s had a career year production wise with 25 points and de Haan, a former 12th overall pick, looks like a steal for the Golden Knights. Working with the Islanders, Vegas GM George McPhee would have seen this first hand.

Taking de Haan gives the Golden Knights a bonafide top-four defenceman to slot right into the roster. As a pending RFA at 25-years-old the Golden Knights keep control for the next two years before he can become a UFA. As an RFA he’s due a new deal but said deal can’t be anything outside for a $2.5 million to $3 million per year range.

Must Read: Predicting Calvin de Haan's New Deal

And to be honest it’s no love lost for the Islanders when you think about it. Last season de Haan spent most of the season beside Dennis Seidenberg with 963 of his 1380 5on5 minutes spent with the 35-year-old ex-Bruin.

With de Haan leaving a roster spot immediately opens up for prospect Ryan Pulock to slot right into. We saw what a protected deployment with Seidenberg did for de Haan last season, imagine what that could do to an already promising Pulock?