NHL Expansion Draft: Washington Capitals lose Philipp Grubauer

The Washington Capitals will lose Philipp Grubauer to the Golden Knights. Nate Schmidt is another option, but Vegas won’t be able to resist a young goalie ready to prove he’s a number one starter. This is probably the best realistic case scenario for the Washington Capitals. They lose a guy who, considering his role on the team, is relatively easy to replace compared to other positions.

Washington Capitals fans rejoice as public enemy number one is out of the Eastern Conference again. Carl Hagelin is a very solid third line forward when he’s healthy. And he’s someone McPhee is familiar with.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are going to lose a pretty good player no matter what Vegas decides to do. Jonas Korpisalo is a very tempting option, but the Golden Knights can’t turn down a center with as much upside as Karlsson.

Devante Smith-Pelly is a bit of a broken player, but he at least has the ability to score. After a down season in 2016-17, perhaps DSP needs a change of scenery. The Devils don’t really have much to offer Vegas and Smith-Pelly at least has upside, unlike Ben Lovejoy.

Lee Stempniak is on a mission to play for every NHL team and the Vegas Golden Knights will happily help him on his noble quest.

Even if the New York Islanders protect four defensemen, Ryan Pulock might be left exposed. If he is left unprotected, he’ll get a well-deserved chance to play with the Golden Knights.

This could be a guy the Golden Knights pick exclusively to trade for a good draft pick. But even if they keep him, Michael Grabner can be an early mentor for the young guys in Vegas. He’s overcome a lot and certainly knows the devotion and commitment it takes to be successful in the NHL. Not only that, Grabner can be productive as well.

Ultimately, this came down to Matt Read or Scott Laughton. Vegas needs to be building for the future, so the latter is a better pick for them. Laughton should get some NHL playing time with the Golden Knights.