Considering the Edmonton Oilers keep the 7-3-1 route, many are curious as to how the expansion draft will play out.
When it comes to Edmonton, and their current protection plan, Vegas doesn’t have much to take from the Oilers roster. Benoit Pouliot is perhaps the biggest name available, and he’s an NHL forward. While players like Jujhar Khaira and Tyler Pitlick are enticing, they are not proven full-time NHL players.
Beyond the forward lines, they are also defenders up for grabs. However, as said for Pitlick and Khaira, they are not proven top-tier blueliners. With that being said, here are three players the Golden Knights could consider.
Benoit Pouliot
Again, he is the only proven NHL player completely up for grabs. The 30-year-old didn’t have the best season, scoring just eight goals and 14 points through 67 gamese, but has proven his worth over his career. Pouliot brings a lot of size and skill to the lineup, and was a consistent 30-point scorer over the last three seasons. Not to mention, the 6-foot-3, 204-pound winger, is a pretty decent two-way player and has great possession metrics over his career.
Edmonton Oilers
The only issue is that he often takes poor penalties, and he seems to be losing his touch as he gets older. Still, this veteran may be a solid player for the Golden Knights to have on their bottom six. And who knows? Maybe a change in scenery will help Pouliot thrive.
Iiro Pakarinen
An Oilers forward that has come in clutch at critical times, Pakarinen is another interesting option for Vegas. He was re-signed to a one-year deal earlier this offseason, a move that allowed Edmonton to leave him exposed and protect Mark Letestu instead.
The 6-foot-1, 209-pound forward was limited to just 14 games this season with injury, but has shown his worth through his short time with Edmonton. He racked up two goals and four points this season, as well as 30 hits.
In 2015-16, Pakarinen showed true worth on the bottom six, scoring five goals and 13 points through 63 games. He was a solid winger and added a lot of depth, while also stepping up and giving tremendous effort at critical points in time. With his effort, determination and proven ability to work at the NHL level, Pakarinen is an enticing option for the Golden Knights.
Griffin Reinhart
As odd as it sounds, the Golden Knights might want in on this Oilers blueliner. Though he didn’t exactly meet his expectations in Edmonton, Reinhart thrives at the AHL level. He plays a smart defensive game in the minors, and also shows puck-moving acumen. And, at just 23 years old, the former first-round pick continues to grow and show promise.
He possesses a great frame for a defenceman, coming in at 6-foot-4, 212 pounds. He is a physical player who uses his size to his advantage, and he also isn’t afraid to block shots or make strong plays in his own zone. Reinhart is also able to skate effectively and help start the breakout. He just has to show consistency and the ability to keep up with the play at the NHL level.
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Bottom Line
The Golden Knights have plenty of options to consider. However, as long as everything stays the way it is for Edmonton, the Oilers won’t suffer a huge loss. Still, there will be holes to fill following the expansion draft.