Nick Cousins and Scott Laughton appear to have already been lapped by Travis Konency as the shining star of the forward prospect pool, but both continue to carry relatively high value after successful runs in the AHL. Laughton may have nabbed a roster spot sooner, but Cousins has since wrestled that list selection back from him. Showcasing an ability to generate offence on his own with 38 points in 38 games in Lehigh Valley, Cousins was given the opportunity to play with the top club this season. He held his own playing up and down the lineup, but struggled to generate the sort of scoring success we had seen from him back at the farm. His possession numbers may have placed above average, but consideration must be partially given to his main linemates, Couturier and Read, who are traditionally strong in this department. Laughton, on the other hand, spent his season back in Lehigh Valley, garnering further experience in a scoring role. His lack of pro-level statistics hurts our analysis, but his 2015-16 season will have to serve as our reference point. Filling similar spots within the forward depth chart, and with a crossover in linemates (Read + Umberger for Laughton; Read + Couturier for Cousins) the ability to compare the two is fair. In doing so we see a clear edge in scoring and goal differential for Cousins. Aside from this statistical mark Cousins appears to have gained favour from the coaching staff as a possible scoring line contributor next season.

Ultimately, as the higher ceiling forward, Cousins nabs our last protection list spot.

So he's not your cousin, who cares?

With Cousins off the board this leaves the 3 remaining key forwards for the Vegas staff to assess.

Matt Read will be the first eliminated off our Vegas list. His contract (i) pays him more than he's worth, and (ii) is up after next season. For an organization looking to stock pile controllable assets, his ability to walk away after one season for a destination of his choosing isn't exactly appealing. Plus the possibility exists that he hits the open market next summer and the Golden Knights are able to sign him, without having to burn an expansion pick on him now. Noted inability to produce on the scoresheet despite strong Corsi numbers is a red flag that we have indeed focused on. Better options will allow us to pass on Read.

Scott Laughton will be a popular choice for his 'potential', but signs point to a player who may have taken a step back in development this year. His inability to dominate the American league the way Cousins did stands in concert with his expected ceiling as a checking line forward in the NHL. A lack of size allows him to get bumped around by bigger centremen, meaning he will need further time to develop a strong hockey awareness at the pro-level to handle this defensive responsibility. If the Golden Knights have realistic expectations of his game they may grab him as their Flyers pick, but under current circumstances we would advise them to go another way.

Michael Raffl is our Golden Knights expansion selection. His experience on a top scoring line in this league will be valuable to the limited crop of high end forwards expected in their lineup next season. Although he hasn't shot the lights out since 2014-15, his possession game is strong and teammates see improvements after playing with him. A two-year contract also fits the situation perfectly, allowing Vegas to lock in a roster spot for two seasons, without being too attached to the player in case of drop off.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Flyers are always fun to watch, but remain a goalie graveyard. With a few blue-chippers in the development pipeline they desperately need to add another NHL-calibre tender to the fold. Hopefully their developing defensive unit can mitigate the downsides expected from a temporary replacement in net. All in all, just don't pull the typical Flyers offseason move and shell out outrageous contracts to players that won't even last its term in a Philly uniform. #BringBryzBack

Next up: Tampa Bay Lightning