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Vegas Golden Knights: Expansion Draft Nashville Predators

By Michael Joubran

LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 21: James Neal is selected by the Las Vegas Golden Knights during the 2017 NHL Awards and Expansion Draft at T-Mobile Arena on June 21, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 21: James Neal is selected by the Las Vegas Golden Knights during the 2017 NHL Awards and Expansion Draft at T-Mobile Arena on June 21, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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The Vegas Golden Knights are the newest NHL team. Over the next month I will take a look at why they took who they did from each NHL franchise.

The Vegas Golden Knights are the 31st NHL franchise. As an expansion team they were allowed to take one player (who was eligible to be drafted) from the other 30 NHL teams. Each team was able to protect either seven forwards, three defenceman and one goaltender or eight skaters and one goaltender. The full rules can be found here. The 17th team we are going to look at is the Nashville Predators.

Nashville Predators

The Predators finished in 16th place, claiming the last playoff spot. Despite that, they made it to the finals, before losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games. Nashville has one of the deepest teams in the NHL, because of that, Vegas had a couple of good options to choose from. The Knights could have went with two veterans in Craig Smith and Matt Irwin.

Smith could have been a good second line centre for the Knights. He was not an effective offensive player last season, but he just needs to find his game again. When he is effective, he is able to score 20+ goals and 40+ points. He is a strong skater, who could have added another dynamic to Vegas’ roster.

Irwin has around four years of NHL experience and is a good bottom pairing defenceman. He is a solid penalty killer and plays a very defensive game. He is an average skater who can help keep the puck out of the net.

Vegas ended up drafting James Neal, which I think was the best option. Neal is a strong skater who knows how score. He is a top six player who can play on the first line. He has a lot of NHL experience, can run a power play and has a great work ethic. Also, he has leadership qualities and will most likely be one of the leaders on Vegas. Neal was one of Vegas’ best picks in the draft.

What Other Options Did They Have?

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The Golden Knights could have gone with Smith or Irwin. They also could have went with Colin Wilson or Yannick Weber.

Wilson is an up and down type of player. One season he is productive, while the next he is nowhere to be found. When he is on his game, he is able to be a top six player. Wilson is a strong skater who just needs more consistency to become a great player in the NHL.

Weber has a lot of NHL experience. As a player who went back and forth between the AHL and NHL at one point, he could help younger players who go through the same thing. He is a bottom pairing defenceman, who could move up in the lineup if needed.

With that being said, Neal is still the best choice and will be a top player for the Knights.

Overview

In my opinion, Neal will be the face of Vegas’ offensive core. He has a reputation for being a team player and a great leader. While Smith would have been a good option as well, Neal was too valuable not to pick. If the Knights decide that he is not going be apart of their future, then they could trade him for picks and/or prospects.

Next: Expansion Draft Montreal Canadiens (16/30)

Overall, I believe that Neal will be a valuable piece to Vegas and he was the best option for them.

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