Yes, Vegas might take Helm, but you logic "to hit the cap floor" is so unfounded. There are so many players available with inflated contracts, Vegas could hit 150m at the draft if they wanted.

I have a feeling that Vegas will take some bigger contracts but I think they're going to try and only take ones with one or two years left so they're not tied down for 3+ more years (think Kruger, Methot, etc...). Plus, those shorter term contracts will be assets at the trade deadline sooner. Helm's term will work against him. I think the only way Helm is selected is if all of Sheahan, Jensen, and Ouellet are protected.

McPhee isn't stupid. Any big contracts they select need to be trade deadline assets either in 17/18 or 18/19. Helm, while still a very serviceable NHL player, will most likely not fit that bill.

Russo is waiver exempt for 2017, His waiver options run out in 2018 That's why he's exempt for the expansion draft.

My logic is that helm is still a good NHL player that does a lot of stuff that teams need to win. Yes his contract isn't good but I think there's a chance vegas takes him and yes they do need to hit the cap floor as well so that does factor into it