Introduction:
The NHL Expansion Draft is an exciting time for hockey fans as new teams have the opportunity to build their roster from scratch. The Vegas Golden Knights are set to participate in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft and all eyes are on which players they will add to their team. In this article, we will discuss the potential picks for the Vegas Golden Knights and analyze who might be joining their roster for the upcoming season.
Potential Picks for Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights will have the opportunity to select players from the unprotected list of each NHL team during the Expansion Draft. This list will include both established veterans and promising young talent, giving the Golden Knights a wide pool of players to choose from. General Manager Kelly McCrimmon and his staff have been carefully reviewing the available players and are expected to make strategic picks to build a competitive roster for the upcoming season.
One key aspect to consider is the salary cap implications of each pick. The Golden Knights will need to ensure they select players whose contracts fit within their salary cap constraints while also adding value to the team. This balancing act will be crucial in determining the success of the Golden Knights in their inaugural season.
Potential Targets for Vegas Golden Knights
There are several players who may be prime targets for the Vegas Golden Knights in the Expansion Draft. Established goaltenders, such as Jake Allen and Chris Driedger, could provide solid options to anchor the team in net. On defense, players like Mark Giordano and Shayne Gostisbehere could offer experience and skill to the Golden Knights’ blue line. Up front, forwards like Jaden Schwartz and Vladislav Namestnikov could provide scoring depth and help drive the offense.
It will be interesting to see which direction the Golden Knights choose to go in with their picks. Whether they prioritize building a strong defensive core, adding scoring depth, or a combination of both, the Expansion Draft presents a unique opportunity for the team to shape their roster for the future.
Strategic Considerations for Vegas Golden Knights
In addition to individual player considerations, the Golden Knights will also need to strategize on a team level. Building a cohesive roster that can compete in a highly competitive NHL will require careful planning and execution. The coaching staff will need to work closely with the players to ensure they gel as a team and can execute their game plan effectively.
Furthermore, the Golden Knights may also look to make trades or sign free agents to complement their Expansion Draft picks. This supplementary strategy could help fill any gaps in the roster and further strengthen the team for the upcoming season. Overall, the Golden Knights will need to take a holistic approach in building their roster to ensure they can compete at a high level in the NHL.
Conclusion
The NHL Expansion Draft presents an exciting opportunity for the Vegas Golden Knights to build their roster and establish themselves as a competitive team in the league. With careful planning and strategic picks, the Golden Knights have the potential to create a formidable team that can challenge for the Stanley Cup. It will be fascinating to see which players they ultimately select and how they integrate them into their lineup for the upcoming season.
FAQs
1. When is the NHL Expansion Draft taking place?
The 2021 NHL Expansion Draft is scheduled to take place on July 21, 2021.
2. How many players can the Vegas Golden Knights select in the Expansion Draft?
The Vegas Golden Knights can select one player from each of the 30 other NHL teams, for a total of 30 players in the Expansion Draft.
3. Can teams protect certain players from being selected in the Expansion Draft?
Yes, teams have the option to protect a certain number of players on their roster from being selected in the Expansion Draft. The exact rules for player protection vary based on the NHL’s guidelines.
