Let’s try this again. Before the World Cup started I gave you a few players to keep an eye out for. Unfortunately, I kind of whiffed on a few, especially Justin Abdelkader. I don’t know why I thought he’d have a good tournament. The early rugged, gritty style by the US was perfect for Abdelkader. The Former MSU Spartan had a -2 rating, and four shots in two games. I may be unfairly picking on the Detroit winger because the rest of the squad was just as bad. On the other hand, Sweden’s Jakob Silfverberg is tied for third on the team in shots. Also, Silver’s picking up ice time on Sweden’s powerful penalty killing line. Nice production from a Swede that could end up in Las Vegas.

Let’s go another round and examine a few more players that could be targeted by GM George McPhee.

Team Sweden

Carl Hagelin: Speed, speed, and more speed. That’s what Hagelin’s game is all about. Speed and his sick flow. Optical tracking data ranked the Swede the fastest skater in the NHL at a top speed of 23MPH. He’s had up and down seasons, but it really has to do with what system in which he’s playing. Coming off of a Cup, Hagelin perfectly fit the Penguins style of play, particularly in the postseason. The HBK line was a major difference for Pittsburgh. The speed and pressure from Hagelin, Nick Bonino, and Phil Kessel caught defenses flat footed. Hagelin’s breakout speed helped the Pens beat more physical teams like the Capitals. The speedy Swede is a very talented player, but can get lost for more than a few games a year. The Penguins could expose Hagelin and his $4 million dollar price tag. He may go a week without a point, but speed costs money. Used correctly, the Michigan Wolverine could bring offensive excitement to Las Vegas.

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The Expansion Draft may be 284 days away but it’s time for GM Geroge McPhee and company to get to work. Well, they probably have been for a month and a half, but you get my point. With the World Cup about to officially begin (stupid fake games) let’s take a look at a few players Las Vegas could be scouting.

Team USA

Jack Johnson: A high pick that never really panned out in LA or Columbus. He’s a 29-year-old, left-handed defenseman that averages 24 minutes of ice time. Johnson needs a change of scenery, or a big 2016-17 season. He’s owed $5 million a year for the next two and is a UFA at the end of Vegas’ first season in 2018. Unless they are looking for an expiring contract, Las Vegas would need a positive year from Johnson to feel good about selecting him. Hopefully, he’ll clean up his -16 plus/minus.

Justin Abdelkader: What is it with mediocre players with terrible contracts? Abdelkader’ deal is 7 year/$30 million and doesn’t run out until 2022-23 (we should have a Cup or two by then). The Red Wing isn’t a bad player, in fact he’s had back to back 40 point seasons. He’s 29 years-old, but he’s on the books for six more seasons. If the left wing continues to score 20 goals a season than possibly Las Vegas takes a chance on his $4.25 cap hit.

Team Sweden

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