George McPhee was the star of the draft
Never in the history of NHL expansion, had an NHL team had the advantages allocated to the the Golden Knights. All things considered, that’s what one billion dollars will buy you. Las Vegas was able to select some very good players, especially defencemen. Whether selected to play for the team or flipped for future picks, prospects or players for the current roster, McPhee has an unprecedented opportunity.
He began by flipping D Trevor van Riemsdyk, selected from the Blackhawks to the Hurricanes. There have been rumors the Toronto Maple Leafs had an interest in TvR and were looking for a deal with Chicago.
Vegas then flipped D David Schlemko, taken from San Jose to Montreal for a 5th round pick in 2019. There was no trade chatter about Schlemko. If the Leafs had interest, knowing Lou and the information blackout, no one ever will ever know…
Colin Miller, Golden Knights
Next up on the Rumor Mill, D Colin Miller, 6’1, 196lb. defender formerly of the Boston Bruins. This trade rumor is gaining traction. Miller, a smooth skating 24-year-old RHD would fit well in the Leafs bottom four but at what cost? That my friends is the question? I think Miller would be a great addition nevertheless, he is not a difference maker.
The Golden Knights continue to have right-hand defencemen Miller, Jon Merril, plus Shea Theodore. On the left side, their best defenceman is If the season were to start next week, the Golden Knights will have ten
If the season were to start next week, the Golden Knights will have nine defencemen on their roster. Somebody(s) has to go.
Las Vegas has 10 D-men, who is the next to go? Leafs still need RHD —>Merril, Miller, Theodore? pic.twitter.com/LlxDy2cLSg
— Harte of a Lion (@BruceAshley4) June 25, 2017
At this point, the Golden Knights have yet to play a game and have less than 4 million in cap space.
The Knights have more moves coming.
The Knights need talent at both the NHL and AHL levels. The Toronto Maple Leafs Leafs are able to help them meet that goal.
*June 26, 2017, Mark Methot has been sent to dallas Stars goaltending prospect Dylan Ferguson and a 2020 second-round pick*