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Vegas Golden Knights: Best Expansion Franchise In NHL History

By Richard Cardinale |
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 31: A hat is tossed onto the ice as Reilly Smith #19 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates with William Karlsson #71 after Karlsson scored his third goal of the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on December 31, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights won 6-3. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 31: A hat is tossed onto the ice as Reilly Smith #19 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates with William Karlsson #71 after Karlsson scored his third goal of the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on December 31, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights won 6-3. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Who would’ve thought the Vegas Golden Knights would stake their claim as the best expansion franchise in NHL history?

Long before the Vegas Golden Knights were even a thought, the last two most successful expansion franchises came in 1993-94. Since that point, no one has really challenged the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim or the Florida Panthers. Fast forward 24 years later and that mark finally went down.

Back then, the Mighty Ducks and Panthers finished with identical records at 31-46-5. Neither team made the playoffs, but both clubs made their presence known for years to come. However, when it comes to the Golden Knights, they’ve taken the league by storm and then some.

In just 51 games played, Vegas has already equaled the same win totals as Anaheim and Florida in their inaugural season. With 31 more games to play, the Golden Knights not only broke the record, but they will shatter it. There are so many reasons why the Golden Knights are where they’re at, but I think the coaching of Gerard Gallant is the main reason.

Don’t get me wrong, the roster and asset management by general manager George McPhee has been out of this world. But it takes a unique coach to connect to all 20 players in the dressing room. Gallant is a players coach and works with the younger guys well especially with Shea Theodore and Nate Schmidt.

When the Vegas Golden Knights were assembling their roster at the expansion draft, they made sure they acquired players that fit Gallant’s hard work style of play. Taking former Panthers players such as Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith boosted this team in more ways than one. And this is where we have to give credit to McPhee.

His roster and asset management this offseason has been incredible. Obtaining first round picks for promises not to take any other players. Scouting third and fourth line players to play on top lines and a great example of that is William Karlsson.

Drafting young studs such as Cody Glass, Nick Suzuki, and Erik Brannstrom in the first round looks fantastic at the moment. All three players could make NHL impacts within the next two years as they will push for spots in training camp. If these players pan out into excellent NHL players, McPhee is going to look like a genius.

Both Gallant and McPhee should earn coach and general manager of the year respectively. Those two have worked better than any other pairing in the NHL. Keep in mind folks; this is an expansion club.

Next: Vegas Golden Knights: Marc-Andre Fleury And James Neal Shine At All-Star Game

All in all, this team is the most surprising and best storyline in the NHL this season. It takes a special group of players to win in the fashion this team is doing. I don’t know how this season will finish, but we need to enjoy it because no future expansion club will replicate this performance ever again.

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