In 2000, in the run-up to the last expansion draft involving Columbus and Minnesota that bumped the NHL up to 30 teams, about six deals could be traced to the machinations involving the two new clubs.
In 2017, the 31st entry, the Vegas Golden Knights, might have more side-door movement than the Jackets and Wild combined, as clubs try to plot their way through the draft a week Wednesday in Sin City. Intrigue ramped up the past couple of days as teams were allowed to ask players to waive no-movement clauses in order to protect their most important or cost-efficient talent.