It’s official. The Vegas Golden Knights are the 31st NHL franchise.
Although the team unveiled its logo and name earlier this season, Wednesday afternoon marked their official entry into the NHL as owner Bill Foley’s final expansion payment was made and all paperwork was signed off on.
There was some question whether or not the Golden Knights would be able to be active at the NHL’s trade deadline. GM George McPhee made an appearance on Hockey Central at Noon on Tuesday and indicated that he expected the papers to be finalised prior to Wednesday’s 3:00 p.m. ET trade deadline.
If they did get involved in the trade market, the team would not be allowed to acquire any player under contract and able to play in the NHL this season. They could, however, make moves based on “promises” to not pick a certain player in June’s expansion draft, in exchange for a draft pick.
The Expansion Draft will take place Jun 18-20, just prior to the entry draft.
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