Kevin Allen

USA TODAY Sports

The NHL has approved expansion draft rules designed to provide the new Vegas Golden Knights the best talent supply an expansion team has ever received.

But that doesn’t mean the Golden Knights will load up on 20-goal scorers and impact defensemen.

NHL teams can protect either seven forwards, three defensemen and one goalie or one goalie and any combination of eight forwards and defensemen. First- and second-year professionals don’t have to be protected.

Teams are also required to make available at least one defenseman with 40 games played this season or 70 games over the past two seasons, plus two forwards meeting the same requirement.

Each NHL team will lose only one player to the Golden Knights. The expectation: Teams with talented players to lose will trade them before the June 21 expansion draft. Golden Knights general manager George McPhee likely will also make deals, acquiring assets, not to draft certain players. They might also receive a collection of draft picks and prospects to draft high-salaried players that other NHL teams want removed from their roster.

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Not knowing exactly who will be available, here is a March 9, 2017, projection of what the Vegas Golden Knights might do at the expansion draft. Mostly what they will receive are third-line forwards and third-pairing defensemen.

Stick tap to capfriendly.com for its expansion draft tool.

FORWARDS

Anaheim Ducks: Jakob Silfverberg, 26, right wing: The Ducks likely will trade Silfverberg before the expansion draft. If they don’t, he would be the most productive offensive player Vegas will draft. He has scored 18 goals this season.

Arizona Coyotes: Teemu Pulkinnen, 25, left wing: He hasn't shown goal-scoring prowess yet in the NHL, but there's intrigue with a player who has twice scored more than 30 goals in the American Hockey League.

Calgary Flames: Micheal Ferland​, 24, left wing: He has scored 13 goals this season and he’s still improving as a role player.

Carolina Hurricanes: Lee Stempniak, 34, right wing: Carolina can protect its prize younger players. Why not take a versatile veteran with a history of producing and a short-term contract?

Columbus Blue Jackets: William Karlsson, 24, center: He has been an effective role player for a winning Blue Jackets team. Karlsson has the skill set to expand his role.

Detroit Red Wings: Riley Sheahan, 25, center: Ignore his goalless season and remember that he’s a 225-pound checking center with the hands to score 12-15 goals.

Edmonton Oilers: Mark Letestu, 32, center: Given what the Oilers have to offer, why not take a pro’s pro who can provide a short-term fix? Only has one season left on his contract.

New York Rangers: Oscar Lindberg, 25, center: He has potential to register 40 or more points given the right opportunity. Could end up playing on scoring line in Vegas.

New Jersey Devils: Devante Smith-Pelly, 24, right wing: He has the ability to be a 15-goal scorer

Nashville Predators: Calle Jarnkrok, 25, center: Jarnkrok has the upside and skill necessary to be part of Vegas' long-term planning.

Philadelphia Flyers: Michael Raffl, 28, left wing: He has scored as many as 21 goals in a season. An underrated two-way forward.

San Jose Sharks: Chris Tierney, 22, center: Could be the youngest player taken in the expansion draft. Already has played 187 NHL games and is still improving.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Vladislav Namestnikov, 24, center: Could still blossom into a 20-goal scorer. A skillful, creative player.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Matt Martin, 27, left wing: McPhee has said the Golden Knights will need a layer of toughness to measure up in the Western Conference. Martin can deliver hits, punches and some points.

Winnipeg Jets: Mathieu Perreault, 29, center: McPhee drafted him in Washington and knows and trusts his abilities.

DEFENSEMEN

Buffalo Sabres: Josh Gorges, 32: The Sabres aren’t offering much, but Gorges is an experienced hand who only has one season left on his contract.

Chicago Blackhawks: Trevor van Riemsdyk, 25: The Blackhawks would not want to lose him but they have to pay a price for too many no-movement clauses and too many quality players.

Colorado Avalanche: Patrick Wiercioch, 26: Paid like a No. 7 defenseman, but he can be more. He’s had a history of good puck possession numbers.

Dallas Stars: Stephen Johns, 24: He’s been a 19-20-minute defenseman for the Stars lately. He’s a big guy who can block shots and contribute in a variety of ways.

Florida Panthers: Alex Petrovic, 25: Stands 6-4 and can play with some bite. What Las Vegas needs most are players in their mid-20s who have both experience and potential.

Los Angeles Kings: Brayden McNabb, 26: He's a capable 6-4 performer with a cap-friendly $1.55 million salary.

New York Islanders: Calvin de Haan, 25: His best seasons are still in front of him and those are the kind of players an expansion team needs.

Minnesota Wild: Jonas Brodin, 23: The Wild have major protection issues, and a deal could be struck between the Wild and Vegas to keep Brodin in Minnesota. Las Vegas-bred Jason Zucker could also be a possible choice, depending upon what happens with other trades.

Ottawa Senators: Marc Methot, 31: He’s 6-3, 225 pounds and owns 571 games of NHL experience. Could be dealt to a contender for young prospects.

St. Louis Blues: Carl Gunnarsson, 30: He’s another steady veteran who could be peddled for prospects and draft picks.

Vancouver Canucks: Luca Sbisa, 27: He’s a former first-round pick with 449 games of NHL experience.

Washington Capitals: Nate Schmidt, 25: He’s turned into a dependable performer. He’s young enough to fit into the Golden Knights' long-term planning.

GOALIES

Boston Bruins: Malcolm Subban, 23: The younger brother of P.K. Subban, Malcolm is a former first-round pick with the potential to be a No. 1 goalie in the future.

Montreal Canadiens: Al Montoya, 32: Considered one of the NHL's top backup goalies. He has the ability to own the net for extended periods.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Marc-Andre Fleury, 32: This will only happen if it is what Fleury wants. He has a no-move clause. The more likely scenario would be that he would be dealt to another team. Fleury has served the Penguins well and they want to be as helpful as they can be in his relocation. He is a highly respected person and player, perfect for a team that needs to market the game.