Quote:
Originally Posted by _Q_
I think LV takes the best 4 defencemen, best 6 forwards and best goalie they can get then take the 19 guys with the highest potential. Then they fill out the rest of the roster through free agency and trades. More likely than not, their #1 pick also makes the team.
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This.
Realistically, most teams are going to have to expose either their top defence prospect, or their top forward prospect.
For example, it would be entirely reasonable for the expansion team to end up with eight or nine defencemen on the level of players like Kyllington, Darnell Nurse, Jonas Brodin, et al, guys in the 21-23 age bracket who have realistic top-pairing upside. (yeah, I know Brodin "is a total bust"... he's also younger than Wotherspoon)
Grab 10 forwards of a similar calibre, and they would have the best prospect base in the NHL, and it wouldn't even be close.
THEN add a top-5 draft choice. Again and again and again.
They can add a few quality guys like Michael Frolik, or Andrew Shaw to take tough minutes, a few old timers like Iginla or Campbell, and whichever high-end UFAs are available. All they need to do is show the kids how to play properly, and force them to earn a job.
If they're willing to eat their first two or three years, there's no reason this club couldn't own the NHL for a decade.
Right from the outset I've thought this expansion dramatically over-favors the new team.