Golden Knights can make trades once sale closes

Get ready to see post-deadline trades this year.

That's because the league's expansion franchise, the Vegas Golden Knights, could start making deals beginning in just over a month's time.

Once the sale of the team has been finalized - which is expected to happen around March 1 - the Golden Knights will be granted the opportunity to begin making trades, NHL deputy commissioner Billy Daly noted during All-Star festivities this past weekend, according to Sportsnet's Emily Sadler.

"Once they close the transaction, (general manager George McPhee) will be able to make player-related transactions within some parameters," Daly said. "Obviously he still can’t acquire players who are still playing the 2016-17 season, but he can acquire draft picks, he can acquire (unsigned draft choices), sign draft choices, player assets. He can start making deals associated with the expansion draft."

The provision should certainly help the infant franchise get going on its roster construction. In addition, the team will also be granted a 48-hour period - between the time the protected roster lists are submitted and the expansion draft - where they will be allowed to negotiate with unrestricted and restricted free agents who are not protected, and sign players, which was reported by TSN's Pierre LeBrun back in October.