Vegas Golden Knights: Expansion Draft San Jose Sharks
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 24th team we are going to look at is the San Jose Sharks.
San Jose Sharks
The Sharks have one of the deepest teams in the NHL, but with an ageing core, there was not many good options for Vegas to choose from. The Knights could have went with two future Hockey Hall of Famers in Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau.
Thornton has been one of the best playmakers in the NHL for the last 20 years. The 38-year-old centerman could have been a good choice because of what he brings to the table. Experience and leadership is very handy, making him very valuable. The reason why he was not drafted is because he was a UFA. This means that he could have left Vegas if he did not want to play there.
Marleau, contrary to Thornton, has been one of the best goal scorers in the NHL for the last 20 years. The 38-year-old left winger is one of the strongest skaters in the league and has a lot of experience and leadership that would have been helpful to the Golden Knights. Like Thornton, he was a UFA and could have left the team if he did not want to play there. Considering he signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Knights made a smart choice to not draft him.
Vegas decided to draft David Schlemko, which I was not a big fan of. While he is a good bottom pairing defenceman, there were better options. The Knights ended up trading Schlemko to the Montreal Canadiens for a fifth round pick in 2019, making the decision even worse. He could have been a solid penalty killer, but considering their depth on defence, he probably would not have played much.
What Other Options Did They Have?
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Vegas could have drafted a future HHOF member in Thornton or Marleau. Considering where both players are entering the 2017-18 season, they probably would have left VGK during free agency. Two options that could have benefited Vegas’ long-term plans are Mikkel Boedker and Barclay Goodrow.
Boedker is a top six forward, whose production has dropped because of San Jose’s depth. Being forced to play in the bottom six has dropped his production to 26 points in 81 games. In my opinion, the speedy winger would have been the best choice for the Knights. Given a top six role and power play time, would have most likely increased his production.
Another solid option was Goodrow. The 24-year-old right-winger does not have much NHL experience, but has shown that he can play in a bottom six role. He also has shown that it takes him around three seasons to become accustomed to a new league. If the trend continues, he could become a top nine player, though that is highly unlikely.
Overview
The Golden Knights decided to draft Schlemko, which I do not think was the best option. He is a good bottom pairing defenceman, but there was a better player available. Vegas could have drafted Boedker, who could have fit in nicely in their top six. He is signed for another three seasons with an AAV of $4,000,000. While that may look like a lot for what he brings to the table, if he can find his game, that contract could be a steal.
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Overall, the Knights got a fifth round pick for Schlemko, instead they could have drafted Boedker.