NHL rosters freeze at noon today, and all of the Original 30 must submit their protection lists to the league by 2 PM. But before all that, there’s been a quick rush of rumors, including one, in particular, that could be very lucrative for the Golden Knights.
The Jackets are believed to be trading this year’s first-round draft pick (No. 24 overall) and a prospect (not Pierre-Luc Dubois or Sonny Milano) to Vegas for assurances that the Golden Knights will select either left wing Matt Calvert, center William Karlsson or defenseman Ryan Murray. –Aaron Portzline, Columbus Dispatch
That means, don’t touch young guys like Joonas Korpisalo, Alexander Wennberg, and Josh Anderson, and also stay away from Jack Johnson and David Savard. In return, George McPhee gets a golden ticket, another first round pick.
It’s unclear if this deal includes the Golden Knights taking David Clarkson‘s contract off Columbus’ hands. (He’s on long-term IR, but is still owed $5.25M per year until 2020).
That’s not it for the first round picks either…
Spoke with a GM yesterday who was guessing that Vegas already had 3 1st-RD picks in their back pocket with more picks to come before Wed
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 17, 2017
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, no deals will be announced before the Expansion Draft reveal on Wednesday, and it’s possible they may even wait until Thursday to disclose all of the details. But either way, that bushel of picks we’ve been expected to see McPhee gather is starting to come to fruition.
Los Angeles, Minnesota, Chicago, and Nashville are all likely the top candidates for those extra first round picks.
Here are a few other tweets that are particularly noteworthy on this final day before the Golden Knights are on the 72-hour clock.
Because of protection issues, word is FLA's Jonathan Marchessault is potentially available. 30 goals, great contract.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 17, 2017
Led to believe Cody Ceci has been informed he will be protected. That means either Phaneuf or Methot could be on the move. #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) June 17, 2017
Also believe at some point LA spoke to Vegas about what it would take for them to take on Gaborik and I don't think that convo lasted long.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 17, 2017
Talk seems to suggest there's a good chance Vatanen ends up in Vegas, in some capacity. https://t.co/iPj4GBHp7p
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 17, 2017
Statement from Kalle Boden — agent for Enstrom, who just confirmed the player did waive pic.twitter.com/b6YzV0zDYy
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 17, 2017
Aaron
If no Milano from Columbus, I’m hoping for Bjorkstrand. Watched him play Juniors out here. Kid is a stud!
Steve T
3 1st Round Picks that’s a Great Job. More than that WOW !!!!