Golden Knights could be primed to trade up for Nolan Patrick

Could the Vegas Golden Knights' next wave come at the entry draft?

After piecing together their initial roster in Wednesday's expansion pool, and accumulating a boatload of extra draft picks in the process, the Golden Knights could be primed for an even bigger splash come Friday.

Already owning the sixth overall pick, the Golden Knights added two more first-rounders in expansion-draft side deals with the New York Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets. A subsequent deal saw the Blue Jackets' pick flipped to the Winnipeg Jets for their first selection.

In all, Vegas holds three cards in Round 1, when the Golden Knights are poised to pick sixth, 13th, and 15th. But how long those pieces remain property of the Golden Knights remains the question.

Could the picks be packaged together to boost the Golden Knights into the top two picks, where the highly-touted Nico Hischier and Nolan Patrick project to be taken?

The scenario could be even more plausible if the New Jersey Devils choose Hischier first overall, as most of the recent draft talk believes the Swiss skater is a shoo-in for first. That would then make Patrick free for the taking at the second slot, currently held by the Philadelphia Flyers.

But cue up a call from the Golden Knights, where the appeal of a top pick - one that could immediately fill a role with the club - would add even more dazzle to the NHL's newest entry.

Some within the Golden Knights' organization already need little introduction to Patrick, particularly assistant general manager Kelly McCrimmon - the owner and former coach and GM of the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings - where Patrick spent his developmental seasons.

With Brandon, McCrimmon was behind the bench when Patrick, all of 17 years old, put together a 102-point campaign in 2015-16. He then followed up that performance with 30 points in 21 playoff contests, the top billing in the WHL.

"With respect to Nolan Patrick," McCrimmon told Michael Traikos of the National Post in January. "If he was drafted last year, I think he would be held in similar regard to the top players."

Never a bad day when you're compared to the likes of Auston Matthews or Patrik Laine, last June's top two selections who combined for 76 goals this season. On Wednesday, Matthews took home rookie of the year honors.

As for the Golden Knights, they'd surely love a flashy freshman to call their own. A top center in Patrick would also be a key piece to build around, and as GM George McPhee has stated, the Golden Knights will be built from within.

No doubt Patrick could be an ace for Vegas.