The Validity of an Expansion Draft

[elrune1988 12]

Expansion Drafts Anyone?

Expansion is a hot topic as the VHL looks to expand its repetoire of teams to unseen hights next season. But what are the validities of things like an expansion draft. Do they work in leagues like the VHL?



Throughout the history of orgnaized hockey - there have been several instances of expansion. Early expansion off of the original-6 occurred through time. With these teams enjoying limited successes in their first seasons - or several. This lead the NHL to re-think and re-implement its process on expansion and how these teams can acquire the talent that they put on ice in their innagural seasons. And it worked!

The Vegas Golden knights were a resounding success - making the Stanley Cup Final in their first at-bat. Will the VHL be looking to strike gold for their expansion teams in the same manner?

While it is hard to say for now - with the topic of expansion still fresh on our minds and a lot of the t's and i's being dotted and/or crossed. We can still ponder what an expansion draft may look like. 

If an expansion draft were to occur to help bolster the rosters of our newer franchises - who would be made available for selection? Would the limitness of trades and the fury of activity enjoyed during the Vegas expansion be allowed?

As a memeber of the first rookie draft class to be exposed to these brand spanking new franchises - the idea of being able to cut my teeth with a franchise not tainted by history is exciting. I look forward to seeing where this goes moving forward.

Expansion!