Draft is Jericho
Lots and lots of lists. There are the protected lists, unprotected lists, and of course the draft list. All the speculation ends tonight. I'll post my final mock draft in a minute, but how about a little fun?
Picture the scene, the NHL has the red carpet rolled out for its hockey royalty as well as the assembled media and fans. We go inside T-Mobile Arena to see Gary Bettman and George McPhee at a big podium to address the world. Bettman welcomes us to the 2017 expansion draft and turns things over to Golden Knights General Manager George McPhee. The GM comes to the mike and thanks Bettman. As he begins to announce his selections, a countdown clock appears on the jumbotron.
“Break the Walls Down” blares from the speakers and out comes Chris Jericho in full Y2J mode, with flashing jacket, silk scarf, and he is holding a clipboard. The camera zooms in on the clipboard, it reads “The List of McPhee.” Y2J nudges McPhee away from the podium and welcomes the hockey world to “Draft is Jericho.” After a few remarks aimed at the NHL hierarchy, he is ready to begin. “Do you know what happens to talented hockey players that aren't protected by their teams?” he says; “they make the list!” Loud cheers come from the audience and Jericho reveals the inaugural Las Vegas Golden Knights.
Forwards
Logan Shaw – Ducks (a)
Lee Stempniak – Hurricanes
Markus Kruger – Blackhawks (f1)
Lukas Sedlak – Blue Jackets (c)
Iiro Parkinen – Oilers
Jonathan Marchessault – Panthers
Eric Haula – Wild (b)
Torrey Mitchell – Canadiens
James Neal - Predators
Mike Cammallieri – Devils
Mikhail Grabovski – Islanders (d)
Bobby Ryan – Senators (f2)
Matt Read – Flyers
JT Brown – Lightning (e)
Marko Dano – Jets
Defensemen
Kevin Connauton – Coyotes
Justin Falk – Sabres
Matt Bartkowski – Flames
Mark Barberio – Avalanche
Greg Pateryn – Stars
Brayden McNabb – Kings
Dave Schlemko – Sharks
Martin Marincin – Maple Leafs
Alex Biega – Canucks
Goaltenders
Macolm Subban – Bruins
Petr Mrazek – Red Wings
Antti Raanta – Rangers
Marc-Andre Fleury – Penguins (f3)
Jordan Binnington – Blues
Phillip Grubauer – Capitals
Forwards – 15
Defensemen – 9
Goalies - 6
Total Cap Hit - $58.1M
Analysis Points
McPhee says he has six deals in place ahead of the draft. Indications are Anaheim, Minnesota, Columbus, Tampa, and either Chicago, Ottawa or Pittsburgh are those trading partners.
Those trades could net Vegas three or four additional first round picks.
At least two of the six drafted goalies will be traded before the next season.
This will be a competitive team up front, but will need a top line center and power play quarterback.
Maybe half of these players make it to Las Vegas' opening day. Lots of trades to come.
Looking forward to tonight's draft.
Blogger •Ed Stein • 
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