Expansion draft blunder may cost Panthers a Stanley Cup

When the Florida Panthers lost Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith to the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 expansion draft, it was immediately regarded as a huge blunder that made no sense.

It has not only turned out to be one of the worst roster transactions of the salary cap era, but it might also end up helping to cost them a Stanley Cup.

Thanks to their 3-2 win over the Panthers on Saturday night, the Golden Knights are just one…