from Adam Kimelman of NHL.com,

Vegas Golden Knights general manager George McPhee understands the unique situation he's in.

With the NHL Expansion Draft looming, McPhee has spent his week at the NHL Scouting Combine meeting with top prospects for the 2017 NHL Draft, as well as the 30 other NHL general managers.

"We interview the kids and when we get a break we're discussing our latest discussion with another team," McPhee told NHL.com on Friday. "Most of the focus this week for our group has been on the combine. But reality is, GMs are talking to us."

The GMs understand who has the power in those conversations.

"Vegas holds all the cards," Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill said. "I'm talking to Vegas but I don't know who they want or who they like on our team, and same for 30 other teams."...

The 30 other NHL teams must submit their list of protected players by 5 p.m. ET on June 17. Vegas will be given the lists at 10 a.m. on June 18 and will have until 10 a.m. on June 21 to submit its selections.

"Certainly I think [the expansion draft] is on the forefront of everyone's mind as the days creep closer toward the actual event," Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said. "Everyone's doing their final due diligence. Having an event like this here; whenever you get everybody in one place, it's always a good opportunity to, whether you're trying to steal a few minutes with the Vegas personnel or try to steal a few minutes with another general manger, it's always good when you know where everyone is.

"The way [the combine] is set up, when you break for lunch or break for the evening, eventually you run into these people and you do have conversations. Sometimes they're planned, sometimes they're not planned."

read on