What this entire discussion really hinges upon is the Flames' decision on Curtis Lazar. A star with the Edmonton Oil Kings during his Junior years, Lazar has failed to find the same scoring success at the professional level. He serves as prime example of how rushing a young prospect into the NHL can impact their growth as a player. A lack of ice-time didn't exactly help him either. But Ottawa's loss is Calgary's gain. The very small sample of Lazar in the team's lineup was a positive one. He contributed on the scoresheet immediately and kept his on-ice goal differential positive, suggesting there is hope for a player who has struggled thus far in his young career. To see Calgary walk away from Lazar so quickly would be a mistake; a mistake Vegas would surely pounce on. Therefore, with the potential to become a better player than Brouwer and the gang of checkers, Lazar rounds out our protection list alongside Michael Ferland.

FLIPPING VEGAS - Hockey Edition

Much like the old house flipping show based in Las Vegas, the Golden Knights should look to select a player who carries potential rental value in a future deadline swap. Brouwer's contract remains a burden that few teams will have the willingness or cap space to take on. Although he may historically be the best player of those available, his return in any trade will be low, due to his cap hit, unless the team trading him is willing to retain salary. The difficulty associated with moving him will take him off our selection radar.

Stajan, on the other hand, presents a more appealing alternative. As mentioned his play was stable this season and his contract is moveable. With the term set to expire, the ability to walk away from him after a year if a willing trade partner cannot be found is a very manageable worst-case scenario. Chiasson's RFA status unfortunately looms over this decision, as Vegas will be unlikely to burn one of their 10 picks for 'players not under contract' on him. However, if the Flames sign him to a new deal worth $2.500M or under per season before the Expansion deadline, he will be destined for the desert. Without such hypotheticals available to us in our decision, Matt Stajan will remain as our Vegas Golden Knights selection.

As an extra-deep dive option, AHL prospect Brett Kulak could be a consideration if the Vegas brass choose the development route over a veteran one with their selection.

FINAL THOUGHTS

For those that didn't notice, last year Michael Backlund had easily the best statistical season of his career. As a two-way centre he provided incredible value to the Flames, posting a 53.1 GF%, 54.7 CF%, 64.6 AdjCF%, and a career best of 53 points in 81 games. Surprisingly this didn't garner him enough support for a Selke trophy nomination. Anyway... the Flames should look to lock up Backlund long term before the possibility of losing him in free agency next summer pushes his potential cap hit up any further.

Oh yeah, and that starting goalie spot. Figure it out while the cost of acquiring one is cheap. Your team ranked 21st in 5v5 scoring last year, you kinda need one.

Next up: Toronto Maple Leafs