Minnesota Hockey: Three Former Gophers Acquired by Vegas Golden Knights in Expansion Draft

In the NHL Expansion Draft Wednesday night, the Vegas Golden Knights acquired three former Minnesota Gophers. Erik Haula, Nate Schmidt, and Jake Bischoff will all be a part of the newest NHL franchise’s organization for the 2017-18 season.

Vegas acquired Erik Haula from the Minnesota Wild. Haula was a restricted free agent and as part of the negotiations for Vegas to select Haula over one of their more prized defensemen the Wild also sent prospect Alex Tuch to the Golden Knights. Tuch is a former Boston College Eagles star. The Wild also received a conditional third round draft pick from Vegas.

Haula tallied 26 points in 72 games for the Wild last season. His fifteen goals were a career high.

Vegas acquired Nate Schmidt from the Washington Capitals. Schmidt really improved last season for the Caps playing in sixty games and recording career highs in points with 15 and goals with 3. Schmidt was a +6 in eleven postseason games this season for Washington and recorded four points.

Vegas acquired Jake Bischoff from the New York Islanders. He was involved in a trade that sent himself, Mikhal Grabowski, a first round pick in this years NHL Draft and a second round pick in 2019 to avoid taking several players the Islanders did not want to lose. Bischoff will most likely start the season with Vegas’s AHL affiliate the Chicago Wolves.

So if you were looking for a new NHL team to follow, and you love your Gophers, will...you may just have your selection made. Good luck to the former Gophers on finding a new beginning in Las Vegas!