Vegas Golden Knights Mock Expansion Draft Roundtable

May 11, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; General view of the T-Mobile Arena and New York-New York hotel and casino adjacent to the Las Vegas strip. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; General view of the T-Mobile Arena and New York-New York hotel and casino adjacent to the Las Vegas strip. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Vegas Golden Knights: General view of the T-Mobile Arena adjacent to the Las Vegas strip. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: General view of the T-Mobile Arena adjacent to the Las Vegas strip. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Vegas Golden Knights Mock Expansion Draft Roundtable (February Edition) – Matt Duscharme and Suraj Sukumar Re-Join Site Expert Ryan Ritchie for Another In-Depth Look at June’s Expansion Draft.  We’ve Included Full Protection Lists for All 30 Teams and Three Separate 30-Man Rosters for the NHL’s 31st Franchise.

Vegas Golden Knights front-office is holding mock expansion drafts throughout the year to prepare for next June. We here at Puck Prose are doing the same thing with in-depth analysis, full protection lists, and much more!

Las Vegas plans to conduct a monthly NHL mock expansion draft to prepare themselves for next June. We here at Puck Prose are looking to do the same thing with detailed analysis that should have us looking at some of the same players that George McPhee and company are as well.

We’re back for a double dose in February as we ramp our expansion draft coverage. Moving forward, we’ll be releasing two expansion roundtables per month. Writers Matt Duscharme and Suraj Sukumar have re-joined site expert Ryan Ritchie to share their projected Vegas Golden Knights roster.

With the collaboration, we’re hoping to give readers a better idea of who might be available next June. Also, fans can get an idea of the expansion draft landscape changes when teams use different formats or protect different players with those highly debatable final spots. If we’re lucky, we might have a few similar picks in terms of protection lists or Vegas roster players. All in all, it’s a good exercise to get a better/more accurate handle on the entire process, which is very different from past expansions.

Truth be told, we can target and identify the vast majority of protected players. Between no-movement clauses and star players, there are only so many spots that are actually debatable. Now, there’s still lots of time for player movement in 2016-17 leading up to the Mar.1 deadline, then another period following the playoffs. To play it safe, for the time being, we’ve chosen to omit certain players for different reasons. Each writer is following their own set of rules in this department with explanations as to why those individuals will be left out.

Rules for Expansion

*The NHL released its list of players who will be exempt from the expansion draft awhile back. Now, some folks are a bit confused it seems. This isn’t a list of players teams must protect (although the majority will need to be). Guys like Ryane Clowe, David Clarkson, and Nathan Horton, for example, are expected to be exempt from needing protection due to their injury status. Basically, any player who missed the previous 60 games heading into the expansion draft will have an automatic exemption, similar to the younger prospects.

All 30 NHL teams have two options to protect players

a) Seven forwards, three defensemen, one goaltender

b) Eight skaters and one goaltender

– All players that own a no-movement clause in their contract must be protected, unless they agree to waive it.

– *All first and second-year professionals are automatically exempt from the expansion draft

*There’s been some gray area to this one so we’d like to help clarify with the best explanation we could find. Before shutting down, General Fanager asked this very question to the NHL, with the following response:

via Sin Bin,

“A Player aged 18 or 19 earns a year of professional experience by playing 10 or more NHL games in a given NHL season.”

“A player aged 20 or older (based on age on December 31 of calendar year in which the season starts) earns a year of professional experience by playing 10 or more Professional Games under a standard player contract in a given League Year.”

General Fanager also wanted answers for European skaters and how the NHL decides to calculate professional years overseas. Here’s the response:

“Professional seasons are expected to only count while a player is under an NHL SPC. A player like Artemi Panarin for instance, who played several “professional seasons” in the KHL prior to signing with the Chicago Blackhawks for the 2015-16 season, is expected to still be exempt from the Expansion Draft. This is because his seasons in the KHL were played before he signed an NHL SPC, so his first “professional season” for purposes of expansion is considered the 2015-16 season.”

Player Exposure Requirements

All clubs must provide a minimum one player that falls under each of the following categories:

1) one defenseman who is under contract for 2017-18 and played in 40 games in 2016-17, or 70 games in 2015-16 and 2016-17 combined.

2) two forwards under contract for 2017-18 and played in 40 games in 2016-17, or 70 games in 2015-16 and 2016-17 combined.

3) one goalie under contract for 2017-18 or RFA

Truth be told, all 30 teams will naturally have players that meet the requirements. There won’t be much planning or thought put into it when most bottom six forwards or bottom pair defenseman go unprotected.

Oct 20, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing David Clarkson (23) controls the puck as New York Islanders defenseman Calvin de Haan (44) defends during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing David Clarkson (23) controls the puck as New York Islanders defenseman Calvin de Haan (44) defends during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports /

– Players with a career-ending injury, or who have missed the previous 60 games due to injury will be automatically exempt from the expansion draft. This is notable for individuals such as Ryane Clowe (NJ) or David Clarkson (CLB) who some feared would take up a spot due to no-move clauses.

Las Vegas Selection Rules

– Las Vegas must select one player from each of the 30 existing teams.

– They must select at least 14 forwards, nine defense, and three goalies.

– Las Vegas must spend between 60-100 percent of the prior season’s upper cap limit ($43.8-$73.0 million)

– *20 of those 30 selections must be under contract for 2017-18 (only 10 UFAs or RFAs are allowed for that two-day negotiating period)

Honestly, this one doesn’t make a lot of sense. Experts/analysts insist that RFAs don’t count against the 20 under contract, but that’s absurd. If Las Vegas selects an RFA, they own that player’s rights until he’s eligible for free agency, so technically speaking, the player is pretty much under contract. Even if he’s unhappy and wants to flee to the KHL, Vegas still owns him if he ever decides to come back – not as though an RFA is going anywhere.

By the way, that two-day negotiating period set forth during the time Las Vegas is selecting is to ensure they can get all 30 players under contract for 2017-18. Without it, there’d be too much uncertainty with selections. This way if a free agent refuses to join the expansion team, at least they have time to change their selection to someone under contract or another FA that will agree to terms.

All 30 NHL teams must submit their protection list by 5pm (et) on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at the very latest. Las Vegas will then have until June 20, 2017 to submit their expansion draft picks. The announcement is expected to be made the following day on June 21st.

Vegas Golden Knights: Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf (15) celebrates his goal with teammates Corey Perry (10) , Ryan Kesler (17) and Cam Fowler (4) during the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Anaheim wins 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf (15) celebrates his goal with teammates Corey Perry (10) , Ryan Kesler (17) and Cam Fowler (4) during the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Anaheim wins 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports /

Anaheim Ducks

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Corey Perry (NMC)31$8.625MF Nick Ritchie
F Ryan Getzlaf (NMC)31$8.25MF Kalle Kossila
F Ryan Kesler (NMC)32$6.875MF Kevin Roy
F Rickard Rakell23$3.8MF Max Jones
F Jakob Silfverberg26$3.75MF Julius Nattinen
F Andrew Cogliano29$3.0MF Deven Sideroff
F Antoine Vermette34$1.75MF Ondrej Kase
F Nate Thompson32UFAF Kenton Helgesen
F Ryan Garbutt31UFA
F Jared Boll30$900KD Jacob Larsson
F Nick Sorensen22RFAD Andy Welinski
F Emerson Etem24RFAD Shea Theodore
F Chris Wagner25$637.5KD Keaton Thompson
F Nic Kerdiles22RFAD Marcus Pettersson
F Joseph Cramarossa23RFAD Brandon Montour
F Corey Tropp27$625K
F Logan Shaw24RFAG Kevin Boyle
F Max Gortz23RFA
D Sami Vatanen25$4.875M
D Cam Fowler24$4.0M
D Kevin Bieksa (NMC)35$4.0M
D Simon Despres25$3.7M
D Clayton Stoner31$3.25M
D Josh Manson25$825K
D Hampus Lindholm22$5.25M
D Korbinian Holzer28UFA
D Nate Guenin33UFA
D Jeff Schultz30UFA
D Jaycob Megna23RFA
G John Gibson23$2.3M
G Jonathan Bernier28UFA
G Dustin Tokarski27$650K
G Jhonas Enroth28UFA
G Matt Hackett26UFA
RyanMattSuraj
4 – 4 – 14 – 4 – 14 – 4 – 1
F Corey Perry (NMC)F Corey Perry (NMC)F Corey Perry (NMC)
F Ryan Getzlaf (NMC)F Ryan Getzlaf (NMC)F Ryan Getzlaf (NMC)
F Ryan Kesler (NMC)F Ryan Kesler (NMC)F Ryan Kesler (NMC)
F Rickard RakellF Rickard RakellF Rickard Rakell
D Hampus LindholmD Kevin Bieksa (NMC)D Hampus Lindholm
D Sami VatanenD Hampus LindholmD Sami Vatanen
D Cam FowlerD Cam FowlerD Cam Fowler
D Josh MansonD Sami VatanenD Josh Manson
G John GibsonG John GibsonG John Gibson
*Bieksa asked to waive NMC*Bieksa asked to waive NMC

Sadly, the Anaheim Ducks are one of the teams in tough with the expansion draft. One way or another, this organization is bound to lose a quality player. If they choose to save an extra defenseman (the likely choice), it will result in exposed top-six forwards. However, if Anaheim wants to save those forwards, it would cost them a quality top-four d-man. Now, don’t be surprised if GM Bob Murray uses draft picks/or players in order to protect an extra body, but his insistence to go for it in 2016-17 will ultimately cost him.

Protection Lists:

As you can see, the Ducks don’t have a lot of options. They can ask Kevin Bieksa to waive his no-move in hopes of protecting Josh Manson, but that leaves one of Jakob Silfverberg or Rickard Rakell available. If they want to use a 7-3-1 scheme, they can certainly save the necessary forwards, but it leaves a defender available capable of logging 20-plus minutes/night.

If GM Bob Murray still has a job following the 2016-17 season, expect him to very busy leading up to the expansion draft.

– Ryan Ritchie

Q: Does Anaheim need to move a defenseman ahead of the expansion draft?

Well with a 4-4-1 protection scheme the only quality defenseman available would be Josh Manson and Simon Despres. Now given Despres’ injury history, he won’t be that hot of a commodity for Vegas, Manson on the other would be. So instead of losing him for nothing, they may as well get something for him before the March 1st deadline is over.

– Matt Duscharme

Vegas Golden Knights: Arizona Coyotes left wing Jordan Martinook (48) celebrates with defenseman Jakob Chychrun (6) and a67#@ after scoring a goal in the first period against the Los Angeles Kings at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Arizona Coyotes left wing Jordan Martinook (48) celebrates with defenseman Jakob Chychrun (6) and a67#@ after scoring a goal in the first period against the Los Angeles Kings at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Coyotes

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Shane Doan40UFAF Dylan Strome
F Jamie McGinn28$3.33MF Lawson Crouse
F Martin Hanzal29UFAF Max Domi
F Tobias Rieder23$2.25MF Laurent Dauphin
F Brad Richardson31$2.083MF Christian Dvorak
F Radim Vrbata35UFAF Michael Bunting
F Ryan White28UFAF Dakota Mermis
F Anthony Duclair21RFAF Conor Garland
F Jordan Martinook24RFAF Ryan MacInnis
F Craig Cunningham (LTIR)25RFAF Christian Fischer
F Tyler Gaudet22RFAF Brendan Perlini
F Chris Mueller30UFAF Nick Merkley
F Garret Ross24RFAF Lane Pederson
F Peter Holland25RFA
F Matia Marcantuoni22RFA
F Mitchell Moroz22RFA
F Alex Burmistrov25RFAD Jakob Chychrun
F Branden Troock22RFAD Dysin Mayo
F Brendan Ranford24RFAD Kyle Wood
D Anthony DeAngelo
D Oliver Ekman-Larsson25$5.5MD Jalen Smereck
D Alex Goligoski (NMC)31$5.475M
D Connor Murphy23$3.85MG Adin Hill
D Michael Stone26UFA
D Luke Schenn26$1.25M
D Kevin Connauton26$1.0M
D Zbynek Michalek33UFA
D Jamie McBain28UFA
D Jarred Tinordi23RFA
G Mike Smith34$5.66M
G Louis Domingue24$1.05M
G Marek Langhamer21RFA
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 14 – 4 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Anthony DuclairF Martin HanzalF Anthony Duclair
F Tobias RiederF Tobias RiederF Tobias Rieder
F Jordan MartinookF Anthony DuclairF Jordan Martinook
F Jamie McGinnF Radim VrbataF Jamie McGinn
F Brad RichardsonD Alex Goligoski (NMC)F Tyler Gaudet
F Radim VrbataD Oliver Ekman-LarssonF Peter Holland
F Alexander BurmistrovD Connor MurphyF Alexander Burmistrov
D Alex Goligoski (NMC)D Michael StoneD Alex Goligoski (NMC)
D Oliver Ekman-LarssonG Louis DomingueD Oliver Ekman-Larsson
D Connor MurphyD Connor Murphy
G Louis DomingueG Louis Domingue
*Stone/Hanzal omitted, expected*Stone/Hanzal omitted, expected
to be tradedto be traded

Due to a relatively young forward group, many of the Coyotes top players are automatically exempt. That’s good news for a team that may need to protect more than three defensemen. That could, however, change if Arizona decides to trade pending unrestricted free agent Michael Stone.

Protection Lists:

I’ve opted to omit Martin Hanzal and Michael Stone. Chances are that both of these players will be with a new organization by the time March 1st rolls around. One less defender to protect gives the Coyotes a little more flexibility up front with the 7-3-1 scheme. Guys like Anthony Duclair and Tobias Rieder are virtual locks to be saved. I’m also leaning towards Jamie McGinn, Brad Richardson, and Alex Burmistrov, which leaves just one spot. For the time being, I’m going with Radim Vrbata. There’s been some rumors that he could be dealt as a rental piece, but the history hasn’t been great for the Czech winger other one big year in Vancouver. Other than that, Vrbata has done most of his damage with the Coyotes at the NHL level. Because of that, I believe Arizona would be wise to re-sign the 35-year-old pending UFA instead of trading him.

– Ryan Ritchie

Q: Louis Domingue is the logical save between the pipes.  Given the state of Coyotes goaltending, do you believe they can continue to roll with Smith, Domingue in 2017-18? Do they need to buy out Mike Smith’s contract, trade for a number one? Or, could they sign a Chad Johnson/Anders Nilsson-type to compete in a tandem?  What is the long-term solution down in the Desert?

I do not believe goaltending is the problem in Arizona. They have high-end prospects in the pipeline, but their lack of quality talent up front has hindered their production as a team. They have a promising defensive group, which can be improved, but players like Max Domi and Anthony Duclair were poised to have big seasons. Alex Burmistrov is a nice shot in the dark, and the young Russian can still prove his worth in the NHL. They are either playing catch up, or spending far too much time in their own zone. Until they improve their ability to hold the puck and score goals, goalies will continue to struggle in the Desert.

– Suraj Sukumar

Vegas Golden Knights: Boston Bruins center Ryan Spooner (51) reacts with center Dominic Moore (28) and center Tim Schaller (59) after scoring a goal during the third period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Boston Bruins center Ryan Spooner (51) reacts with center Dominic Moore (28) and center Tim Schaller (59) after scoring a goal during the third period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Bruins

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F David Krejci (NMC)30$7.25MF Danton Heinen
F Patrice Bergeron (NMC)31$6.875MF Noel Acciari
F David Backes (NMC)32$6.0MF Peter Cehlarik
F Brad Marchand28$6.125MF Colton Hargrove
F Matt Beleskey28$3.8MF Austin Czarnik
F Jimmy Hayes26$2.3MF Sean Kuraly
F Ryan Spooner24RFAF Justin Hickman
F David Pastrnak20RFAF Anton Blidh
F Riley Nash27$900KF Colby Cave
F Dominic Moore35UFAF Jake DeBrusk
F Tim Schaller25RFAF Zachary Senyshyn
F Tyler Randell25RFAF Frank Vatrano
F Zac Rinaldo25UFA
F Brian Ferlin24RFAD Rob O’Gara
D Matt Grzelcyk
D Zdeno Chara (NMC)39$4.0MD Jeremy Lauzon
D Torey Krug25$5.25MD Brandon Carlo
D Adam McQuaid30$2.75MD Jakub Zboril
D Kevan Miller28$2.5M
D John-Michael Liles35UFAG Zane McIntyre
D Colin Miller23$1.0MG Daniel Vladar
D Joe Morrow23RFA
D Alex Grant27UFA
D Tommy Cross26UFA
D Chris Castro24RFA
D Linus Arnesson21RFA
G Tuukka Rask (NMC)29$7.0M
G Anton Khudobin30$1.2M
G Malcolm Subban22RFA
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 1
F David Krejci (NMC)F David Krejci (NMC)F David Krejci (NMC)
F Patrice Bergeron (NMC)F Patrice Bergeron (NMC)F Patrice Bergeron (NMC)
F David Backes (NMC)F David Backes (NMC)F David Backes (NMC)
F Brad MarchandF Brad MarchandF Brad Marchand
F David PastrnakF David PastrnakF David Pastrnak
F Ryan SpoonerF Ryan SpoonerF Ryan Spooner
F Matt BeleskeyF Jimmy HayesF Matt Beleskey
D Zdeno Chara (NMC)D Zdeno Chara (NMC)D Zdeno Chara (NMC)
D Torey KrugD Torey KrugD Torey Krug
D Colin MillerD Joe MorrowD Colin Miller
G Tuukka Rask (NMC)G Tuukka Rask (NMC)G Tuukka Rask (NMC)

Given the Bruins depth up front, a 7-3-1 protection scheme seems to be a given. We all seem to agree that at least eight players are virtual locks. Suraj and I agree on Ryan Spooner and Matt Beleskey, but those are less certain. For example, one could make the argument that Jimmy Hayes must be protected, such as Matt has done.

Protection Lists:

I’ve had the Bruins pegged with the 7-3-1 scheme since the beginning. 10 of those 11 spots have been virtually locked up since we first learned about the expansion draft. The only real debatable slot is that final one up front. It’s basically a battle between Matt Beleskey and Jimmy Hayes. Vegas would have to pay up to select either of these guys, and although Beleskey carries a bigger cap hit, he’s still the logical save.

– Ryan Ritchie

Q: You chose to protect Matt Beleskey in December, Jimmy Hayes in January.  It’s one of the more debatable final spots around the NHL, so why the change of heart this time around?

The reason I switched from Matt Beleskey to Jimmy Hayes is quite simple, Beleskey in all aspects is really just a third line player who can score. And for $3.8 million a year at 28 for a player like that isn’t really worth it. Jimmy Hayes, on the other hand, is pretty much the same player as Beleskey skill-wise, but he’s only making $2.3 million and is also two years younger. So Boston could opt to keep Matt over Jimmy, but in my opinion, Hayes would be the smarter decision granted he costs less and you’re still having the same type of player on your team.

– Matt Duscharme

Vegas Golden Knights: Buffalo Sabres center Sam Reinhart (23) celebrates after scoring a goal during the third period against the Ottawa Senators at KeyBank Center. Sabres beat the Senators 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Buffalo Sabres center Sam Reinhart (23) celebrates after scoring a goal during the third period against the Ottawa Senators at KeyBank Center. Sabres beat the Senators 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

Buffalo Sabres

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Ryan O’Reilly25$7.5MF Jack Eichel
F Kyle Okposo (NMC)28$6.0MF Hudson Fasching
F Evander Kane25$5.25MF Sam Reinhart
F Matt Moulson32$5.0MF Alex Nylander
F Tyler Ennis27$4.6MF Eric Cornel
F Brian Gionta37UFAF Vaclav Karabacek
F Marcus Foligno25RFAF Evan Rodrigues
F Cody McCormick33UFAF Nicholas Baptiste
F Zemgus Girgensons22RFAF Justin Bailey
F Johan Larsson24RFAF Jean Dupuy
F Nicolas Deslauriers25$775KF William Carrier
F Cal O’Reilly30UFA
F Cole Schneider26RFAD Casey Nelson
F Justin Kea22RFAD Brendan Guhle
F Daniel Catenacci23RFAD Brycen Martin
D Erik Burgdoerfer
G Jason Kasdorf
D Rasmus Ristolainen21$5.4M
D Zach Bogosian26$5.143M
D Dmitry Kulikov25UFA
D Josh Gorges32$3.9M
D Cody Franson29UFA
D Jake McCabe23$1.6M
D Justin Falk28UFA
D Taylor Fedun28UFA
D Brady Austin23RFA
G Robin Lehner25RFA
G Anders Nilsson26UFA
G Linus Ullmark23RFA
RyanMattSuraj
4 – 4 – 14 – 4 – 14 – 4 – 1
F Kyle Okposo (NMC)F Kyle Okposo (NMC)F Kyle Okposo (NMC)
F Ryan O’ReillyF Tyler EnnisF Ryan O’Reilly
F Evander KaneF Zemgus GirgensonsF Evander Kane
F Zemgus GirgensonsF Evander KaneF Zemgus Girgensons
D Rasmus RistolainenD Rasmus RistolainenD Rasmus Ristolainen
D Zach BogosianD Zach BogosianD Zach Bogosian
D Dmitry KulikovD Dmitry KulikovD Dmitry Kulikov
D Jake McCabeD Jake McCabeD Jake McCabe
G Robin LehnerG Robin LehnerG Robin Lehner

As you can see, we all tend to agree that Buffalo will have no choice but to protect four defensemen, despite Kulikov’s UFA status – the Sabres need to protect their investment. That puts them in a tough spot regarding who to save up front. One way or another, it seems Buffalo is destined to lose a forward.

Protection Lists:

Even though Dmitry Kulikov is slated to become a UFA, it’s important to get him protected. Some fans on social media have suggested the Sabres could circumvent the system with a pre-arrangement ensuring a refusal to sign with the expansion club, but those are the type of curious situations that can get the league involved. No instead, we protect Bogosian, Ristolainen, Kulikov, and McCabe, leaving four spots up front. Okposo and O’Reilly are locks, but debate could occur on those other two spots. Although it’s unlikely Las Vegas would have interest in Kane’s character issues, it’s too much of a risk to leave him exposed. With the last spot, I’ve chosen to protect a young 1st rounder still looking to reach his ceiling.  It’s not easy leaving Marcus Foligno exposed as he would be the perfect target for Vegas.

– Ryan Ritchie

Q: For a second month in a row, you’ve opted to leave Sabres F Ryan O’Reilly exposed.  What is the thought process behind that decision?

The reason why I leave O’Reilly exposed is for one reason, Eichel. He’s going to be taking over that team and a player of his skill level is also going to receive a huge pay raise. So when you got two centers making well over $5 million (eventually Eichel will be) and with how much Buffalo is spending on wingers and defense, something has to happen or someone has to go. And O’Reilly seems like the more viable option. You could argue well two top centers is also better than one, while this is often true, for instance Crosby and Malkin. Pittsburgh has had to re tool their team every 3-4 years so it’s not always good. That’s why I choose to leave Ryan unprotected another reason too is because Buffalo can get a solid return for him at the deadline if they wish they go this route. Because like it or not, Eichel was drafted to be that guy, and leaving him on the second line for the next however many years, isn’t really doing him any good, and moving him to the top and O’Reilly on the second, you in turn have a player making north of $7 million on the second line who has a history with injuries.

– Matt Duscharme

Vegas Golden Knights: Calgary Flames right wing Troy Brouwer (36) celebrates scoring a goal with Flames center Sean Monahan (23) during the third period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Calgary Flames right wing Troy Brouwer (36) celebrates scoring a goal with Flames center Sean Monahan (23) during the third period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Calgary Flames

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Johnny Gaudreau23$6.75MF Matthew Tkachuk
F Sean Monahan22$6.375MF Andrew Mangiapane
F Troy Brouwer31$4.5MF Brett Pollock
F Michael Frolik28$4.3MF Daniel Pribyl
F Mikael Backlund27$3.575MF Mark Jankowski
F Matt Stajan32$3.125MF Morgan Klimchuk
F Lance Bouma26$2.2MF Hunter Smith
F Kris Versteeg30UFAF Garnet Hathaway
F Sam Bennett20RFAF Austin Carroll
F Michael Ferland24RFA
F Alex Chiasson26RFA
F Freddie Hamilton24$613KD Rasmus Andersson
F Brandon Bollig29UFAD Kenney Morrison
F Linden Vey25RFAD Oliver Kylington
F Hunter Shinkaruk22$1.076MD Keegan Kanzig
F Emile Poirier21$863K
G David Rittich
D Mark Giordano33$6.75MG Jon Gillies
D Dougie Hamilton23$5.75MG Mason McDonald
D Dennis Wideman33UFAG Nick Schneider
D T.J. Brodie26$4.65M
D Deryk Engelland34UFA
D Jyrki Jokipakka25RFA
D Nicklas Grossmann31UFA
D Brett Kulak22RFA
D Ryan Culkin22RFA
D Tyler Wotherspoon23RFA
G Brian Elliott31UFA
G Chad Johnson30UFA
G Tom McCollum26$613K
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 14 – 4 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Johnny GaudreauF Johnny GaudreauF Johnny Gaudreau
F Sean MonahanF Sean MonahanF Sean Monahan
F Sam BennettF Sam BennettF Sam Bennett
F Michael FrolikF Mikael BacklundF Michael Frolik
F Mikael BacklundD Mark GiordanoF Mikael Backlund
F Troy BrouwerD T.J. BrodieF Troy Brouwer
F Michael FerlandD Dougie HamiltonF Hunter Shinkaruk
D Mark GiordanoD Jyrki JokipakkaD Mark Giordano
D T.J. BrodieG Chad JohnsonD T.J. Brodie
D Dougie HamiltonD Dougie Hamilton
G Chad JohnsonG Chad Johnson

The Flames could technically use either protection scheme as they’re bound to lose a decent player regardless. Since they’ve got an abundance of forwards and only three defenders that truly need protection, it makes sense to use the 7-3-1 option.

Protection Lists:

In terms of locks for protection, Giordano, Brodie, and Hamilton are guaranteed. Up front, Gaudreau, Monahan, Bennett, and Backlund are virtual locks as well. With seven forwards available for protection, that leaves us three spots to work with. Brouwer and Frolik are impact top-six forwards, which make for sensible saves. I’ve gone with Michael Ferland for the final spot serving as an important role player in the bottom-six. One could make a case for Lance Bouma, Alex Chiasson, or maybe even Hunter Shinkaruk.

– Ryan Ritchie

Vegas Golden Knights: Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho (20) celebrates his hat trick goal against the Philadelphia Flyers second period at PNC Arena. The Hurricanes defeated the Flyers 5-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho (20) celebrates his hat trick goal against the Philadelphia Flyers second period at PNC Arena. The Hurricanes defeated the Flyers 5-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Hurricanes

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Jordan Staal (NMC)28$6.0MF Sebastian Aho
F Jeff Skinner24$5.725MF Julien Gauthier
F Victor Rask23$4.0MF Aleksi Saarela
F Bryan Bickell30UFAF Nicolas Roy
F Elias Lindholm21$2.7MF Clark Bishop
F Lee Stempniak33$2.5MF Andrew Poturalski
F Viktor Stalberg30UFAF Valentin Zykov
F Joakim Nordstrom24$1.275MF Lucas Wallmark
F Jay McClement33UFAF Sergey Tolchinsky
F Andrej Nestrasil25RFAF Derek Ryan
F Teuvo Teravainen22RFA
F Phillip Di Giuseppe23RFAD Noah Hanifin
F Martin Frk23RFAD Brett Pesce
F Andrew Miller28UFAD Jaccob Slavin
F Brock McGinn22RFAD Tyler Ganly
F Erik Karlsson22RFAD Jake Bean
F Patrick Brown24RFAD Jake Chelios
F Brendan Woods24RFAD Haydn Fleury
F Connor Brickley24RFAD Roland McKeown
F Ty Rattie23RFAD Josh Wesley
D Justin Faulk24$4.83MG Alex Nedeljkovic
D Ron Hainsey35UFA
D Ryan Murphy23$788K
D Klas Dahlbeck25RFA
D Jakub Nakladal28UFA
D Matt Tennyson26UFA
D Keegan Lowe23RFA
D Trevor Carrick22RFA
D Dennis Robertson25RFA
G Cam Ward32$3.3M
G Eddie Lack28$2.75M
G Michael Leighton35UFA
G Daniel Altshuller22RFA
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Jordan Staal (NMC)F Jordan Staal (NMC)F Jordan Staal (NMC)
F Jeff SkinnerF Jeff SkinnerF Jeff Skinner
F Victor RaskF Victor RaskF Victor Rask
F Elias LindholmF Elias LindholmF Elias Lindholm
F Teuvo TeravainenF Teuvo TeravainenF Teuvo Teravainen
F Phillip Di GiuseppeF Andrej NestrasilF Phillip Di Giuseppe
F Brock McGinnF Phillip Di GiuseppeF Brock McGinn
D Justin FaulkD Justin FaulkD Justin Faulk
D Klas DahlbeckD Ryan MurphyD Klas Dahlbeck
D Ryan MurphyD Klas DahlbeckD Ryan Murphy
G Cam WardG Cam WardG Cam Ward

If the rules would allow for it, the Canes would certainly love to protect extra forwards and maybe save one or two defenseman total. Fact is, most of their quality blueliners that emerged in 2015-16 are automatically exempt.

Protection Lists:

For my list, I’ve decided to protect what GM Ron Francis is building; the younger core players. Given the lack of talent on the back end needing to be saved, I’m going with Faulk, Dahlbeck, and Murphy on the back end. The obvious locks up front are Staal, Skinner, Rask, Lindholm, and Teravainen. Those last two spots are where things get a little fuzzy. Using our philosophy, it makes sense to protect both Brock McGinn and Phil Di Giuseppe. Neither has made the impact that a Nestrasil or Nordstrom has, but they could be major future pieces.

– Ryan Ritchie

Q: Andrej Nestrasil replaces Viktor Stalberg on your Hurricanes protection list.  Some folks have pegged Nestrasil as a decent target for Las Vegas, so what is it about his game that makes him a worthy save on Carolina’s part?

Well if many have pegged him as a person of interest for Vegas, then it’s good that he’s protected. Also, the reason I chose to over Stalberg, is because in one corner you have an aging player with a history of injuries that has never quite matched the hype. But in the other corner you have a player who is just about to enter his prime and is often consistent, so who would you rather protect? Option A or option B? Option B sounds like the smartest decision.

– Matt Duscharme

Vegas Golden Knights: Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) makes a save during the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) makes a save during the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Blackhawks

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Patrick Kane (NMC)27$10.5MF Tyler Motte
F Jonathan Toews (NMC)28$10.5MF Nick Schmaltz
F Marian Hossa (NMC)37$5.275MF Artemi Panarin
F Artem Anisimov (NMC)28$4.55MF Vinnie Hinostroza
F Marcus Kruger26$3.083MF Graham Knott
F Richard Panik25RFAF Alexandre Fortin
F Ryan Hartman22$863KF Luke Johnson
F Andrew Desjardins30UFAF Martin Lundberg
F Jordin Tootoo33UFAF Tanner Kero
F Dennis Rasmussen26RFA
F Kyle Baun24$625KD Gustav Forsling
F Spencer Abbott28UFAD Carl Dahlstrom
F Pierre-Cedric Labrie29UFAD Robin Norell
F Brandon Mashinter28UFAD Nolan Valleau
F Mark McNeill23RFAD Erik Gustafsson
F Sam Carrick24RFA
F Michael Latta25RFAG Lars Johansson
D Brent Seabrook (NMC)31$6.875M
D Duncan Keith (NMC)33$5.538M
D Niklas Hjalmarsson (NMC)29$4.1M
D Brian Campbell37UFA
D Trevor van Riemsdyk25$825K
D Michal Kempny26RFA
D Michal Rozsival38UFA
D Ville Pokka22RFA
D Viktor Svedberg25$750K
D Dillon Fournier22RFA
G Corey Crawford (NMC)31$6.0M
G Scott Darling27UFA
G Mac Carruth24RFA
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Patrick Kane (NMC)F Patrick Kane (NMC)F Patrick Kane (NMC)
F Jonathan Toews (NMC)F Jonathan Toews (NMC)F Jonathan Toews (NMC)
F Marian Hossa (NMC)F Marian Hossa (NMC)F Marian Hossa (NMC)
F Artem Anisimov (NMC)F Artem Anisimov (NMC)F Artem Anisimov (NMC)
F Marcus KrugerF Ryan HartmanF Marcus Kruger
F Richard PanikF Marcus KrugerF Richard Panik
F Ryan HartmanF Andrew DesjardinsF Ryan Hartman
D Duncan Keith (NMC)D Duncan Keith (NMC)D Duncan Keith (NMC)
D Brent Seabrook (NMC)D Brent Seabrook (NMC)D Brent Seabrook (NMC)
D Niklas Hjalmarsson (NMC)D Niklas Hjalmarsson (NMC)D Niklas Hjalmarsson (NMC)
G Corey Crawford (NMC)G Corey Crawford (NMC)G Corey Crawford (NMC)

If you’ve tinkered around with the expansion tools, you know that Chicago has locked themselves into seven players (four forwards, three defense, one goalie) with no-movement clauses. That leaves no possibility of using the 4-4-1 scheme to protect a valuable defender, unless of course, Chicago is willing to hand Marcus Kruger to Las Vegas.

Protection Lists:

With only three spots to fill, the work is fairly limited only having to identify three forwards. Marcus Kruger is a must-save, Richard Panik is slowly working his way to a similar status (if he can keep it up), leaving just one spot. Given his emergence this year, Ryan Hartman might have the early lead, but that could always change.

– Ryan Ritchie

Vegas Golden Knights: Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) helps goalie Spencer Martin (30) defend the goal against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) helps goalie Spencer Martin (30) defend the goal against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Colorado Avalanche

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Nathan MacKinnon21$6.3MF Andreas Martinsen
F Matt Duchene25$6.0MF Reid Petryk
F Gabriel Landeskog23$5.571MF Mikko Rantanen
F Jarome Iginla39UFAF J.T. Compher
F Carl Soderberg31$4.75MF A.J. Greer
F Joe Colborne26$2.5MF Julien Nantel
F Blake Comeau30$2.4MF Trent Vogelhuber
F John Mitchell31UFA
F Mikhail Grigorenko22RFAD Mason Geertsen
F Gabriel Bourque26UFAD Chris Bigras
F Rene Bourque34UFAD Anton Lindholm
F Jim O’Brien27UFAD Sergei Boikov
F Mike Sislo28UFA
F Joe Whitney28UFAG Spencer Martin
F Rocco Grimaldi23RFA
F Troy Bourke22RFA
F Samuel Henley23RFA
F Turner Elson24RFA
F Matt Nieto23RFA
F Felix Girard22RFA
D Erik Johnson (NMC)28$6.0M
D Tyson Barrie25$5.5M
D Francois Beauchemin (NMC)36$4.5M
D Fedor Tyutin33UFA
D Eric Gelinas25RFA
D Nikita Zadorov21RFA
D Patrick Wiercioch26RFA
D Mat Clark26UFA
D Cody Goloubef26UFA
D Duncan Siemens23RFA
D Cody Corbett22RFA
D Mark Barberio26$750K
G Semyon Varlamov28$5.9M
G Calvin Pickard24$1.0M
G Jeremy Smith27UFA
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Nathan MacKinnonF Nathan MacKinnonF Nathan MacKinnon
F Matt DucheneF Matt DucheneF Matt Duchene
F Gabriel LandeskogF Gabriel LandeskogF Gabriel Landeskog
F Carl SoderbergF Mikhail GrigorenkoF Carl Soderberg
F Mikhail GrigorenkoF Carl SoderbergF Mikhail Grigorenko
F Rocco GrimaldiF Matt NietoF Rocco Grimaldi
F Joe ColborneF Rocco GrimaldiF Joe Colborne
D Erik Johnson (NMC)D Erik Johnson (NMC)D Erik Johnson (NMC)
D Tyson BarrieD Tyson BarrieD Tyson Barrie
D Nikita ZadorovD Nikita ZadorovD Nikita Zadorov
G Calvin PickardG Calvin PickardG Calvin Pickard
*Beauchemin asked to waive*Beauchemin asked to waive*Beauchemin asked to waive
NMCNMCNMC

It’s worth noting that 36-year-old defenseman Francois Beauchemin may be asked to waive his no-movement clause if Sakic can convince the veteran Las Vegas will have little interest (as we all have done). If that’s the case, Nikita Zadorov seems to be the next logical choice for protection on the back end in a 7-3-1 scheme.

Protection Lists:

Colorado is somewhat fortunate. They could technically use either protection scheme based on who they deem to be most important. Another big factor could be Francois Beauchemin. If he’s willing to waive his NMC, it sets them up perfectly as you can see. But if they’re forced to save him, the only real decision to make in a 4-4-1 scheme is whether to protect Carl Soderberg or Mikhail Grigorenko with that final spot.

– Ryan Ritchie

Q: Rocco Grimaldi replaces Blake Comeau on your protection list for Colorado. Does that decision change if Comeau, whose name is being bantered around in trade rumors, winds up staying in the Mile High City?

This was simply based on season progression. Looking at both players since the last Expansion Draft article, Grimaldi is showing potential, while Comeau is better off playing for a contender. He is a viable power forward, and could produce with the right linemates. Unfortunately, the Avalanche are a sinking ship right now, and Comeau has nothing to gain from staying aboard.

– Suraj Sukumar

Vegas Golden Knights: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones (3) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal during the first period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones (3) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal during the first period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Columbus Blue Jackets

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Brandon Saad23$6.0MF Sonny Milano
F Brandon Dubinsky (NMC)30$5.85MF Keegan Kolesar
F Nick Foligno (NMC)28$5.5MF Pierre-Luc Dubois
F Scott Hartnell (NMC)34$4.75MF Paul Bittner
F Cam Atkinson27$3.5MF Justin Scott
F Boone Jenner23$2.9MF Dante Salituro
F Matt Calvert26$2.2MF Kole Sherwood
F William Karlsson23$1.0MF Oliver Bjorkstrand
F Alexander Wennberg22RFAF Jordan Maletta
F Josh Anderson22$863KF Markus Hannikainen
F Lukas Sedlak23RFAF Nick Moutrey
F David Clarkson (NMC – LTIR)32$5.25M
F Brett Gallant27UFAD Zach Werenski
F Daniel Zaar22RFAD Markus Nutivaara
F Jaime Sifers33UFAD Dillon Heatherington
F Alex Broadhurst23RFAD Gabriel Carlsson
F T.J. Tynan24RFAD Dean Kukan
D Jacob Graves
D Blake Siebenaler
D Seth Jones22$5.4MD Oleg Yevenko
D Jack Johnson29$4.357M
D David Savard26$4.25M
D Ryan Murray23$2.825M
D Dalton Prout26$1.575M
D Scott Harrington23RFA
D John Ramage25$613K
D Ryan Stanton27UFA
G Sergei Bobrovsky (NMC)28$7.425M
G Joonas Korpisalo22RFA
G Oscar Dansk22RFA
G Anton Forsberg23RFA
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Brandon Dubinsky (NMC)F Brandon Dubinsky (NMC)F Brandon Dubinsky (NMC)
F Nick Foligno (NMC)F Nick Foligno (NMC)F Nick Foligno (NMC)
F Scott Hartnell (NMC)F Brandon SaadF Scott Hartnell (NMC)
F Brandon SaadF Cam AtkinsonF Brandon Saad
F Cam AtkinsonF Alexander WennbergF Cam Atkinson
F Alexander WennbergF Boone JennerF Alexander Wennberg
F Boone JennerF Josh AndersonF Boone Jenner
D Seth JonesD Seth JonesD Seth Jones
D Ryan MurrayD Jack JohnsonD Ryan Murray
D David SavardD Ryan MurrayD David Savard
G Sergei BobrovskyG Sergei BobrovskyG Sergei Bobrovsky
*Scott Hartnell waives NMC

You wouldn’t know it by looking at the standings over previous years, but Columbus boasts one of the deeper groups in the NHL. No matter which protection scheme they choose, they stand to lose a quality player.

Protection Lists:

Working with what’s in front of us at the moment, Scott Hartnell and his NMC are still in the mix. The forced save leaves names like William Karlsson and Lukas Sedlak on the outside looking in. That could change if Jarmo can get Hartnell to either waive his no-move or find another team that wants him.

– Ryan Ritchie

Q: If Scott Hartnell were to waive his no-move clause, it would open up an extra slot the Blue Jackets could desperately use.  You’ve chosen to protect Josh Anderson, but how close is that battle for the final spot with guys like William Karlsson and Lukas Sedlak?

The reason I had Hartnell waive his NMC, is quite simple, Columbus want’s to take the youth route, and after this years season which was mostly lead by their youth, why not continue that trend? Hartnell is an aging player in a young man’s game now. If Vegas were to take him they have a solid second line player who will also help them reach the cap floor. The other reason I chose to do that and protect Josh Anderson is due to the fact, Columbus has a plethora of young talent ready to make the jump next season, and while Josh has played a fair amount of time this season, he’s going to be a regular next year and one of the younger players in the AHL is going to take a spot from someone, so why not build the competition for the final spot between your youth, and the only way to do so is to move out a player, and Hartnell seems the best fit for that. In regards to Sedlak and Karlsson, either of them could take Anderson’s spot on the protection list, that’s how skilled and youthful Columbus has become.

– Matt Duscharme

Vegas Golden Knights: Dallas Stars defenseman Dan Hamhuis (2) and center Tyler Seguin (91) celebrates a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Blackhawks defeat the Stars 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Dallas Stars defenseman Dan Hamhuis (2) and center Tyler Seguin (91) celebrates a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Blackhawks defeat the Stars 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Dallas Stars

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Jason Spezza (NMC)33$7.5MF Devin Shore
F Patrick Sharp34UFAF Mattias Janmark
F Tyler Seguin24$5.75MF Denis Gurianov
F Jamie Benn (NMC)27$9.5MF Jason Dickinson
F Ales Hemsky33UFAF Remi Elie
F Cody Eakin25$3.85MF Cole Ully
F Antoine Roussel26$2.0M
F Jiri Hudler32UFAD Ondrej Vala
F Patrick Eaves32UFAD Julius Honka
F Lauri Korpikoski30UFAD Niklas Hansson
F Adam Cracknell31UFAD Chris Martenet
F Brett Ritchie23RFA
F Radek Faksa22RFAG Phillippe Desrosiers
F Curtis McKenzie25RFA
F Gemel Smith22RFA
F Justin Dowling26RFA
F Travis Morin32UFA
F Matej Stransky23RFA
D John Klingberg24$4.25M
D Dan Hamhuis33$3.75M
D Johnny Oduya35UFA
D Jordie Benn29$1.1M
D Jamie Oleksiak23RFA
D Patrik Nemeth24RFA
D Esa Lindell22RFA
D Stephen Johns24$725K
D Andrew Bodnarchuk28$725K
D Ludwig Bystrom22RFA
D Mattias Backman24RFA
D Nick Ebert22RFA
D Dustin Stevenson27UFA
D Justin Hache22RFA
G Kari Lehtonen32$5.9M
G Antti Niemi33$4.5M
G Justin Peters29UFA
G Henri Kiviaho22RFA
G Maxime Lagace23RFA
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 14 – 4 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Jason Spezza (NMC)F Jason Spezza (NMC)F Jason Spezza (NMC)
F Jamie Benn (NMC)F Jamie Benn (NMC)F Jamie Benn (NMC)
F Tyler SeguinF Tyler SeguinF Tyler Seguin
F Cody EakinF Antoine RousselF Cody Eakin
F Radek FaksaD John KlingbergF Radek Faksa
F Brett RitchieD Esa LindellF Brett Ritchie
F Antoine RousselD Jamie OleksiakF Antoine Roussel
D John KlingbergD Stephen JohnsD John Klingberg
D Esa LindellG Kari LehtonenD Esa Lindell
D Stephen JohnsD Stephen Johns
G Antti NiemiG Antti Niemi

No surprise, one of the hottest protection list debates exists on Dallas’ blue line. Beyond John Klingberg, you’d hesitate to call anyone a lock. They’ve got Stephen Johns, Esa Lindell, Jamie Oleksiak, Dan Hamhuis, Johnny Oduya, Jordie Benn, and Patrik Nemeth (among others) competing for two spots. This is a decision that could go down to the wire in terms of performance in 2016-17.

Protection Lists:

For this list, we’re assuming GM Jim Nill has every intent to keep his top talent together since they’re in the middle of a Stanley Cup window. That means protecting the likes of Cody Eakin, Radek Faksa, Brett Ritchie, and Antoine Roussel. On the blue line, there are a handful of players of similar talent level that could be debated upon. Logical selections have gotta be Klingberg and Johns. That third slot is a wild-card between Nemeth, Lindell, Oleksiak, Benn, and Hamhuis – Lindell is leading that group so far.

– Ryan Ritchie

Q: You’ve switched from a 7-3-1 protection scheme to a 4-4-1 in Dallas. Reasoning? Explanation?

Last mock I had Dallas as a 7-3-1 scheme because then there were only small glimpses of Lindell, Johns, and Oleksiak, but as the season has rolled on so has my opinion on Dallas’ defense which is why I went with a 4-4-1 scheme. This way Dallas can protect Klingberg, Lindell, Oleksiak and Johns instead of leaving one of their top defenseman exposed, cause Dallas doesn’t have a d-core like they did last year, so holding onto talent from the back end for this team is very crucial now.

– Matt Duscharme

Vegas Golden Knights: Detroit Red Wings players celebrate after a goal by defenseman Mike Green (25) during the first period against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Detroit Red Wings players celebrate after a goal by defenseman Mike Green (25) during the first period against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Red Wings

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Henrik Zetterberg36$6.083MF Dylan Larkin
F Frans Nielsen (NMC)32$5.25MF Evgeny Svechnikov
F Gustav Nyquist27$4.75MF Dylan Sadowy
F Justin Abdelkader29$4.25MF Givani Smith
F Darren Helm29$3.85MF Axel Holmstrom
F Tomas Tatar25RFAF Dominic Turgeon
F Thomas Vanek32UFAF Tyler Bertuzzi
F Riley Sheahan24$2.075MF Zach Nastasiuk
F Drew Miller32UFAF Matt Lorito
F Steve Ott34UFA
F Luke Glendening27$1.8MD Villi Saarijarvi
F Andreas Athanasiou22RFAD Filip Hronek
F Johan Franzan (LTIR)36$3.955MD Brian Lashoff
F Joe Vitale (LTIR)31UFAD Daniel Renouf
F Tomas Jurco23RFAD Robbie Russo
F Tomas Nosek24$613KD Joe Hicketts
F Eric Tangradi27$650K
F Ben Street29UFAG Jake Paterson
F Anthony Mantha22$863K
F Mitch Callahan25RFA
D Mike Green31$6.0M
D Danny DeKeyser26$5.0M
D Niklas Kronwall35$4.75M
D Jonathan Ericsson32$4.25M
D Brendan Smith27UFA
D Alexey Marchenko24$1.45M
D Xavier Ouellet23RFA
D Ryan Sproul23$625K
D Nick Jensen26RFA
G Jimmy Howard32$5.292M
G Petr Mrazek24$4.0M
G Eddie Pasquale25RFA
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Frans Nielsen (NMC)F Frans Nielsen (NMC)F Frans Nielsen (NMC)
F Henrik ZetterbergF Henrik ZetterbergF Henrik Zetterberg
F Gustav NyquistF Gustav NyquistF Gustav Nyquist
F Tomas TatarF Anthony ManthaF Tomas Tatar
F Justin AbdelkaderF Tomas TatarF Justin Abdelkader
F Riley SheahanF Riley SheahanF Andreas Athanasiou
F Anthony ManthaF Justin AbdelkaderF Anthony Mantha
D Niklas KronwallD Mike GreenD Niklas Kronwall
D Mike GreenD Danny DeKeyserD Mike Green
D Danny DeKeyserD Jonathan EricssonD Ryan Sproul
G Petr MrazekG Petr MrazekG Petr Mrazek

The Red Wings would likely love to save upwards of four, maybe even five defensemen with a couple of guys just starting to make an impact. Unfortunately, they’ve got far too many forwards to take care of, leaving them with the 7-3-1 scheme.

Protection Lists:

My thought process behind the list is preserving the most important players, even though it leaves a few key guys on the outside looking in. The Red Wings would surely love to protect Athanasiou, Helm, and Glendening, among others, but numbers don’t seem to support it. To save any of those forwards, it means exposing the likes of Riley Sheahan or Anthony Mantha. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Red Wings make a move which allows them to save Athanasiou, Sheahan, and Mantha

The toughest selection was that final defensive slot. We’ve opted to go with Niklas Kronwall this time around – thinking it might be unwise to leave the 35-year-old unprotected, despite his age. Detroit would probably love to protect Nick Jensen, Ryan Sproul, and Xavier Ouellet as well, so who knows which direction they head in.

– Ryan Ritchie

Q: You’ve opted to switch Ryan Sproul in favor of Danny DeKeyser in Detroit. Surely, the Red Wings would love to protect both. Any chance the Red Wings explore the possibility of leaving an aging Niklas Kronwall exposed? or, is it too risky?

I think the leadership of a Kronwall is too good to part with. We have seen plenty of teams struggle without the right experience on the roster, and Kronwall provides just that. DeKeyser is a hefty contract based on his production, and the Red Wings have plenty to gain from a younger, right-handed shooter like Sproul. Of the three, DeKeyser is the one who should be risked on the market.

– Suraj Sukumar

Vegas Golden Knights: The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a second period goal by forward Anton Slepyshev (42) against the Minnesota Wild at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a second period goal by forward Anton Slepyshev (42) against the Minnesota Wild at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /

Edmonton Oilers

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Jordan Eberle26$6.0MF Connor McDavid
F Milan Lucic (NMC)28$6.0MF Jesse Puljujarvi
F Ryan Nugent-Hopkins23$6.0MF Anton Slepyshev
F Benoit Pouliot30$4.0MF Drake Caggiula
F Matt Hendricks35UFAF Patrick Russell
F Mark Letestu31$1.8MF Jere Sallinen
F Patrick Maroon28$1.5MF Kyle Platzer
F Zack Kassian25RFAF Greg Chase
F Anton Lander25UFAF Zach Pochiro
F Leon Draisaitl20RFAF Braden Christoffer
F Iiro Pakarinen25RFA
F Tyler Pitlick24RFAD Matthew Benning
F Taylor Beck25RFAD Darnell Nurse
F Jujhar Khaira22RFAD Ethan Bear
F Henrik Samuelsson22RFAD Caleb Jones
F Bogdan Yakimov22RFAD Joey Laleggia
D Ben Betker
D Andrej Sekera (NMC)30$5.5M
D Oscar Klefbom23$4.167MG Nick Ellis
D Adam Larsson23$4.167MG Eetu Laurikainen
D Mark Fayne29$3.625M
D Kris Russell29UFA
D Brandon Davidson25$1.425M
D Eric Gryba28UFA
D Andrew Ference (LTIR)37UFA
D Mark Fraser30UFA
D Griffin Reinhart22RFA
D Dillon Simpson23RFA
D David Musil23RFA
D Jordan Oesterle24RFA
G Cam Talbot (NMC)29$4.167M
G Jonas Gustavsson32UFA
G Laurent Brossoit23$750K
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 14 – 4 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Milan Lucic (NMC)F Milan Lucic (NMC)F Milan Lucic (NMC)
F Leon DraisaitlF Leon DraisaitlF Leon Draisaitl
F Jordan EberleF Jordan EberleF Jordan Eberle
F Ryan Nugent-HopkinsF Ryan Nugent-HopkinsF Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
F Benoit PouliotD Andrej Sekera (NMC)F Benoit Pouliot
F Zack KassianD Adam LarssonF Zack Kassian
F Patrick MaroonD Kris RussellF Patrick Maroon
D Andrej Sekera (NMC)D Oscar KlefbomD Andrej Sekera (NMC)
D Adam LarssonG Cam Talbot (NMC)D Adam Larsson
D Oscar KlefbomD Oscar Klefbom
G Cam Talbot (NMC)G Cam Talbot (NMC)

GM Peter Chiarelli has set himself up beautifully for the expansion draft. The Oilers are one of the few teams where a 7-3-1 scheme will protect just the right players, leaving few guys available that would be a devastating loss. The only real potential to have quality talent plucked is between the pipes with top prospect Laurent Brossoit – although the more Talbot performs, the easier that loss would be to deal with.

Protection Lists:

nine of 11 spots are spoken for even though only three actual NMC’s exist. Eberle, Lucic, Nugent-Hopkins, Draisaitl, and Pouliot are virtual locks up front. Sekera, Klefbom, and Larsson are the only defensemen that need protection, leaving just two forward spots up for grabs. If Edmonton wants to keep the current group together that is having so much success, it makes sense to protect both Zack Kassian and Patrick Maroon.

– Ryan Ritchie

Vegas Golden Knights: Florida Panthers defenseman Mark Pysyk (13) celebrates his goal against the Ottawa Senators with teammates during the first period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Florida Panthers defenseman Mark Pysyk (13) celebrates his goal against the Ottawa Senators with teammates during the first period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Florida Panthers

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Aleksander Barkov21$5.9MF Denis Malgin
F Vincent Trocheck23$4.75MF Jared McCann
F Nick Bjugstad24$4.1MF Kyle Rau
F Jussi Jokinen33$4.0MF Jayce Hawryluk
F Jaromir Jagr44UFAF Dryden Hunt
F Reilly Smith25$5.0MF Juho Lammikko
F Jonathan Huberdeau23$5.9MF Tim Bozon
F Derek MacKenzie35$1.375MF Chase Balisy
F Colton Sceviour27$950K
F Shane Harper27UFAD Michael Matheson
F Greg McKegg24RFAD Ian McCoshen
F Shawn Thornton39UFAD Thomas Schemitsch
F Jonathan Marchessault25$750KD Michael Downing
F Steve Hodges22RFAD Linus Hultstrom
F Brody Sutter25RFAD Josh Brown
F Paul Thompson27UFA
F Michael Sgarbossa24RFAG Samuel Montembeault
G Colin Stevens
D Keith Yandle (NMC)30$6.35M
D Jason Demers28$4.5M
D Mark Pysyk24RFA
D Alex Petrovic24RFA
D Aaron Ekblad20$7.5M
D Dylan McIlrath24RFA
D Jakub Kindl29UFA
D MacKenzie Weegar22RFA
D Brent Regner27UFA
G Roberto Luongo37$4.533M
G James Reimer28$3.4M
G Reto Berra29UFA
G Mike McKenna33UFA
G Sam Brittain24RFA
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Aleksander BarkovF Aleksander BarkovF Aleksander Barkov
F Jonathan HuberdeauF Jonathan HuberdeauF Jonathan Huberdeau
F Vincent TrocheckF Vincent TrocheckF Vincent Trocheck
F Reilly SmithF Reilly SmithF Reilly Smith
F Jonathan MarchessaultF Jonathan MarchessaultF Jonathan Marchessault
F Nick BjugstadF Nick BjugstadF Nick Bjugstad
F Jussi JokinenF Jussi JokinenF Jussi Jokinen
D Keith Yandle (NMC)D Keith Yandle (NMC)D Keith Yandle (NMC)
D Aaron EkbladD Aaron EkbladD Aaron Ekblad
D Jason DemersD Alex PetrovicD Jason Demers
G James ReimerG Roberto LuongoG Roberto Luongo

While the Panthers could lose a decent player in the expansion draft, they’re not in the uncomfortable position that many other clubs find themselves in. As it stands, the 7-3-1 scheme protects just the right players, leaving maybe one or two guys exposed that you’d probably like to keep, but are at least replaceable.

Protection Lists:

Just entering their Stanley Cup window, Florida must protect it’s most important players. Barkov, Trocheck, Bjugstad, Huberdeau, and Smith are obvious locks. Marchessault is working his way into a lock based off his hot start, and we’re including veteran Jussi Jokinen. Many are projecting he be left unprotected, but the dude just tallied 61 points in 2015-16, let’s be real here. On the back end, I’ve opted to protect Jason Demers instead of Alex Petrovic this time around. Florida could go either way here.

– Ryan Ritchie

Vegas Golden Knights: Los Angeles Kings right wing Marian Gaborik (12) celebrates the 5-0 victory against the Colorado Avalanche at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Los Angeles Kings right wing Marian Gaborik (12) celebrates the 5-0 victory against the Colorado Avalanche at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Kings

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Anze Kopitar (NMC)29$10.0MF Spencer Watson
F Dustin Brown31$5.875MF Adrian Kempe
F Jeff Carter31$5.273MF Matt Luff
F Marian Gaborik34$4.875MF Jonny Brodzinski
F Tyler Toffoli24RFAF Michael Amadio
F Trevor Lewis29$2.0MF Joel Lowry
F Dwight King27UFAF Patrick Bjorkstrand
F Kyle Clifford25$1.6M
F Teddy Purcell31UFAD Erik Cernak
F Tanner Pearson24RFAD Jacob Moverare
F Jordan Nolan27$950KD Damir Sharipzyanov
F Nic Dowd26$640KD Paul Ladue
F Nick Shore24RFAD Alex Lintuniemi
F Andy Andreoff25RFAD Kevin Gravel
F Devin Setoguchi28UFAD Zac Leslie
F Michael Mersch24RFAD Kurtis MacDermid
F Justin Auger22RFA
F Andrew Crescenzi24RFA
D Drew Doughty26$7.0M
D Alec Martinez29$4.0M
D Jake Muzzin27$4.0M
D Matt Greene33$2.5M
D Brayden McNabb25$1.7M
D Tom Gilbert33UFA
D Derek Forbort24$650K
D Rob Scuderi37UFA
D Zach Trotman26RFA
D Vincent Loverde27UFA
D Ernest Schilling28UFA
G Jonathan Quick30$5.8M
G Jeff Zatkoff29$900K
G Jack Campbell24$613K
G Peter Budaj34UFA
RyanMattSuraj
4 – 4 – 14 – 4 – 14 – 4 – 1
F Anze Kopitar (NMC)F Anze Kopitar (NMC)F Anze Kopitar (NMC)
F Jeff CarterF Jeff CarterF Jeff Carter
F Tyler ToffoliF Tyler ToffoliF Tyler Toffoli
F Tanner PearsonF Kyle CliffordF Tanner Pearson
D Drew DoughtyD Drew DoughtyD Drew Doughty
D Jake MuzzinD Jake MuzzinD Jake Muzzin
D Alec MartinezD Alec MartinezD Alec Martinez
D Derek ForbortD Derek ForbortD Derek Forbort
G Jonathan QuickG Jonathan QuickG Jonathan Quick

Here’s a team that could logically use either protection scheme (7-3-1 or 4-4-1). If they want to save a few extra forwards (i.e. Trevor Lewis, Dwight King, Kyle Clifford, etc.), it’ll cost them a defender such as Derek Forbort. However, if they should a 4-4-1 scheme to protect the likes of Doughty, Martinez, Muzzin, and Forbort, it leaves a few interesting players available that could interest George McPhee.

Protection Lists:

Given the emergence of Derek Forbort, it looks like all three of us have switched for the 4-4-1 protection scheme. Obvious locks include Jonathan Quick between the pipes, Drew Doughty, Alec Martinez, Jake Muzzin, and Derek Forbort on the back end. Looking to the four spots up front, I’ve opted to go with Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter, Tyler Toffoli, and Tanner Pearson. The thought process is that Vegas won’t have much interest in Marian Gaborik and his hefty price tag coupled with a nasty injury history. I’m sure they’d love to protect Kyle Clifford and Andy Andreoff as well, but one of those guys could be your potential loss in June.

– Ryan Ritchie

Vegas Golden Knights: Minnesota Wild left wing Jason Zucker (16) celebrates his goal with teammates against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Minnesota Wild left wing Jason Zucker (16) celebrates his goal with teammates against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota Wild

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Zach Parise (NMC)32$7.538MF Joel Eriksson Ek
F Mikko Koivu (NMC)33$6.75MF Chase Lang
F Jason Pominville (NMC)33$5.6MF Alex Tuch
F Eric Staal31$3.5MF Sam Anas
F Charlie Coyle24$3.2MF Pavel Jenys
F Mikael Granlund24RFAF Mario Lucia
F Nino Niederreiter24RFAF Christoph Bertschy
F Jason Zucker24$2.0MF Adam Gilmour
F Chris Stewart28$1.15MF Grayson Downing
F Erik Haula25RFA
F Teemu Pulkkinen24RFAD Dylan Labbe
F Zac Dalpe26UFAD Gustav Bouramman
F Jordan Schroeder26RFAD Mike Rielly
F Pat Cannone30UFAD Gustav Olofsson
F Brady Brassart23RFAD Nick Seeler
F Kurtis Gabriel23RFAD Zach Palmquist
F Tyler Graovac23$625KD Hunter Warner
F Zack Mitchell23RFA
G Adam Vay
D Ryan Suter (NMC)31$7.538MG Steve Michalek
D Jared Spurgeon26$5.188M
D Jonas Brodin23$4.167M
D Marco Scandella26$4.0M
D Mathew Dumba22$2.55M
D Christian Folin25RFA
D Nate Prosser30UFA
D Victor Bartley28UFA
D Alex Gudbranson22RFA
D Guillaume Gelinas23RFA
G Devan Dubnyk30$4.333M
G Darcy Kuemper26UFA
G Alex Stalock29$650K
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Zach Parise (NMC)F Zach Parise (NMC)F Zach Parise (NMC)
F Mikko Koivu (NMC)F Mikko Koivu (NMC)F Mikko Koivu (NMC)
F Jason Pominville (NMC)F Jason Pominville (NMC)F Jason Pominville (NMC)
F Nino NiederreiterF Nino NiederreiterF Nino Niederreiter
F Charlie CoyleF Erik HaulaF Charlie Coyle
F Mikael GranlundF Mikael GranlundF Mikael Granlund
F Eric StaalF Eric StaalF Eric Staal
D Ryan Suter (NMC)D Ryan Suter (NMC)D Ryan Suter (NMC)
D Jared SpurgeonD Jonas BrodinD Jonas Brodin
D Matt DumbaD Jared SpurgeonD Matt Dumba
G Devan DubnykG Devan DubnykG Devan Dubnyk

The Wild have long been pegged as a team that is destined to hand the Vegas Golden Knights one of their key players. This is because Minnesota has an overabundance of defenders and not enough room to protect them all even if they were to use a 4-4-1 scheme. It’s an interesting scenario because much of what is carrying this club is their defensive presence, but you’ve gotta wonder if they feel the pressure to move a blueliner ahead of March 1st. Only time will tell.

Protection Lists:

One way or another, the Wild are likely to lose one of two defensemen. Because of that, Minnesota can make life a little easier on themselves. Sure, they could use a 4-4-1 protection scheme and choose who to keep between Jonas Brodin or Marco Scandella. Then again, it’ll cost them three valuable exposed forwards to do so. Why not use the 7-3-1 format, protect Suter, Dumba, and Spurgeon, and let Las Vegas decide which top-four defender they’d prefer. At least that way, Minnesota can protect a few extra bodies.

Having three extra forward slots means the Wild don’t need to choose between saving Coyle or Granlund. They can save both, plus Nino Niederreiter. That 7th slot is where things get interesting. We’ve opted for an emerging Eric Staal, but other names that could contend are Jason Zucker, Erik Haula, Teemu Pulkkinen, Zac Dalpe, and Tyler Graovac.

– Ryan Ritchie

Q: Transferring to a 7-3-1 scheme in Minnesota, you were forced to leave an extra defender exposed.  No matter what, it seems the Wild are destined to lose a quality d-man. What is your take on the outlook of the Wild’s defensive conundrum heading into the expansion?

As everyone knows, Minnesota’s offensive core is outstanding with a lot of talent so a 7-3-1 scheme is needed to protect all of their skilled forwards moving ahead. But the bad side of that is either Spurgeon, Dumba or Scandella will be left open for picking. Spurgeon to me has always been the best defenseman out of the three with the most potential upside with Dumba very close behind him. And granted where Minnesota is placed in the standings means they’ll most likely have a bottom 15 pick in this years draft, so sending a conditional pick to Vegas to protect either Dumba or Scandella seems to be a great option as well. But one can be moved for a prospect defenseman and the other can be protected with the pick. So if Minnesota was to go that route and use what I would use, they still have two of there three best defenseman with a solid defensive prospect who will make up for the player they chose to move. But if they decide to go 4-4-1 well a lot of offensive talent is going to be left exposed and its easier to figure out what to do with three defenseman than it is seven forwards.

– Matt Duscharme

Vegas Golden Knights: Montreal Canadiens forward Michael McCarron (34) celebrates with team mates after scoring against Toronto Maple Leafs in the third period of a 5-3 win at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Montreal Canadiens forward Michael McCarron (34) celebrates with team mates after scoring against Toronto Maple Leafs in the third period of a 5-3 win at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Montreal Canadiens

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Tomas Plekanec33$6.0MF Artturi Lehkonen
F Alexander Radulov30UFAF Martin Reway
F Max Pacioretty27$4.5MF Nikita Scherbak
F Andrew Shaw25$3.9MF Daniel Audette
F Brendan Gallagher24$3.75MF Michael McCarron
F David Desharnais30UFAF Mark MacMillan
F Alex Galchenyuk22RFAF Jeremy Gregoire
F Torrey Mitchell31$1.2M
F Paul Byron27$1.167MD Mikhail Sergachev
F Brian Flynn28UFAD Noah Juulsen
F Phillip Danault23$913KD Tom Parisi
F Daniel Carr24$725KD Ryan Johnston
F Chris Terry27UFAD Brett Lernout
F Max Friberg23RFA
F Bobby Farnham27UFAG Michael McNiven
F Jacob de La Rose21RFAG Charlie Lindgren
F Sven Andrighetto23RFAG Zach Fucale
F Connor Crisp22RFA
F Charles Hudon22RFA
F Stefan Matteau22RFA
D Shea Weber31$7.587M
D Andrei Markov37UFA
D Jeff Petry (NMC)28$5.5M
D Alexei Emelin30$4.1M
D Nathan Beaulieu23RFA
D Greg Pateryn26$800K
D Zach Redmond28$613K
D Philip Samuelsson25RFA
D Joel Hanley25RFA
D Nikita Nesterov23RFA
D Dalton Thrower22RFA
G Carey Price29$6.5M
G Al Montoya31$1.063M
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Alex GalchenyukF Alex GalchenyukF Alex Galchenyuk
F Brendan GallagherF Max PaciorettyF Brendan Gallagher
F Max PaciorettyF Brendan GallagherF Max Pacioretty
F Tomas PlekanecF Tomas PlekanecF Tomas Plekanec
F Andrew ShawF Andrew ShawF Andrew Shaw
F Alex RadulovF Alex RadulovF Alex Radulov
F Charles HudonF Sven AndrighettoF Sven Andrighetto
D Jeff Petry (NMC)D Jeff Petry (NMC)D Jeff Petry (NMC)
D Shea WeberD Shea WeberD Shea Weber
D Nathan BeaulieuD Nathan BeaulieuD Nathan Beaulieu
G Carey PriceG Carey PriceG Carey Price

This is admittedly one of the toughest teams to figure out. They could make an argument for using either protection scheme, and tend to have a large number of players vying for very few spots. It makes those final 2-3 forward slots a difficult choice.

Protection Lists:

On the back end, Weber, Petry, and Beaulieu are logical choices to protect. Personally, I’d prefer to save the three extra forwards opposed to keeping Emelin. I’m not even sure Las Vegas would be interested in the Russian defender.

Up front, the Habs may opt to leave Plekanec unprotected to see if they could shed the contract, but it might be wise to save the longtime Montreal forward. It also makes sense to save their newest investment in Andrew Shaw. That leaves two slots for (2) Alex Radulov, David Desharnais, Torrey Mitchell, Paul Byron, Brian Flynn, Phillip Danault, Daniel Carr, Jacob de La Rose, Sven Adrighetto, and Charles Hudon. I’m leaning towards Hudon and Radulov at this point. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Habs opt to give Radulov a nice extension somewhere in the near future.

– Ryan Ritchie

Q: Sven Andrighetto replaces Charles Hudon for that final forward spot in Montreal. How close is that battle for the final slot, and who else is vying for protection?

Definitely too close to call right now. However, Andrighetto’s production at the NHL level right now is something to keep in mind. Barring an injury or a return to the AHL, Andrighetto should be able to hold that spot for the rest of the season, unless Hudon makes the jump and performs similarly. For now, we will give the edge to Andrighetto. Not to mention, that is a great looking name on a jersey.

– Suraj Sukumar

Vegas Golden Knights: Nashville Predators defenseman Yannick Weber (7) moves the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Nashville Predators defenseman Yannick Weber (7) moves the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Nashville Predators

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Filip Forsberg22$6.0MF Kevin Fiala
F James Neal29$5.0MF Vladislav Kamenev
F Mike Fisher36UFAF Yakov Trenin
F Craig Smith27$4.25MF Justin Kirkland
F Ryan Johansen24RFAF Anthony Richard
F Colin Wilson27$3.938MF Adam Payerl
F Mike Ribeiro36UFAF Frederick Gaudreau
F Calle Jarnkrok25$2.0MF Michael Liambas
F Viktor Arvidsson23RFA
F Colton Sissons22$625KD Samuel Girard
F Miikka Salomaki23$613KD Frederic Allard
F Cody Bass29$613KD Jack Dougherty
F Austin Watson24RFAD Alexandre Carrier
F Harry Zolnierczyk29UFAD Trevor Murphy
F Trevor Smith31$613KD Jonathan-Ismael Diaby
F Pontus Aberg23RFA
F Cody McLeod32$1.33MG Juuse Saros
F Derek Grant26UFAG Jonas Gunnarsson
F Vernon Fiddler36UFA
D P.K. Subban27$9.0M
D Roman Josi26$4.0M
D Mattias Ekholm26$3.75M
D Ryan Ellis25$2.5M
D Matt Carle32UFA
D Anthony Bitetto26$613K
D Yannick Weber28UFA
D Petter Granberg24$613K
D Matt Irwin28$650K
D Jaynen Rissling23RFA
D Brad Hunt28UFA
D Adam Pardy32UFA
D Andrew O’Brien23RFA
G Pekka Rinne (NMC)33$7.0M
G Marek Mazanec25RFA
RyanMattSuraj
4 – 4 – 17 – 3 – 14 – 4 – 1
F Filip ForsbergF Filip ForsbergF Filip Forsberg
F Ryan JohansenF Ryan JohansenF Ryan Johansen
F James NealF James NealF James Neal
F Viktor ArvidssonF Viktor ArvidssonF Viktor Arvidsson
D P.K. SubbanF Craig SmithD P.K. Subban
D Roman JosiF Colin WilsonD Roman Josi
D Ryan EllisF Calle JarnkrokD Ryan Ellis
D Mattias EkholmD Roman JosiD Mattias Ekholm
G Pekka Rinne (NMC)D P.K. SubbanG Pekka Rinne (NMC)
D Mattias Ekholm
G Pekka Rinne (NMC)

Welcome Preds fans to that exclusive club of teams bound to provide one of the better selections to Las Vegas. The conundrum is this: use a 7-3-1 scheme and lose D Mattias Ekholm, or use a 4-4-1 scheme and lose one of Colin Wilson, Craig Smith, Viktor Arvidsson, Calle Jarnkrork, the list goes on.

Protection Lists:

Assuming things stay relatively normal without significant change, the 4-4-1 scheme makes a little more sense. Ekholm is far more valuable than any one of those forwards that Nashville could lose. Some have suggested James Neal be left unprotected due to his contract, but that would be a mistake for the Preds, he’s a quality goal scorer. The only real debate is who to protect with that fourth and final slot up front. Logic would have told us the fight was between Colin Wilson and Craig Smith, but it seems Viktor Arvidsson has leap-frogged both after an impressive start on Nashville’s top line.

– Ryan Ritchie

Vegas Golden Knights: New Jersey Devils center Travis Zajac (19) celebrates a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: New Jersey Devils center Travis Zajac (19) celebrates a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports /

New Jersey Devils

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Taylor Hall24$6.0MF Pavel Zacha
F Travis Zajac31$5.75MF Blake Speers
F Mike Cammalleri34$5.0MF Miles Wood
F Kyle Palmieri25$4.65MF Michael Mcleod
F Adam Henrique26$4.0MF John Quenneville
F Devante Smith-Pelly24$1.3MF Nathan Bastian
F Jacob Josefson25RFAF Nick Lappin
F P.A. Parenteau33UFAF Ryan Kujawinski
F Beau Bennett24RFAF Blake Coleman
F Luke Gazdic27UFAF Brandon Baddock
F Ryane Clowe (NMC – LTIR)34$4.85MF Blake Pietila
F Carter Camper28UFAF Joseph Blandisi
F Ben Thomson23RFAF Sergey Kalinin
F Petr Straka24RFA
F Stefan Noesen23RFAD Yohann Auvitu
D Steve Santini
D Andy Greene33$5.0MD Josh Jacobs
D Ben Lovejoy32$2.667MD Colton White
D John Moore25$1.667MD Colby Sissons
D Kyle Quincey31UFAD Vojtech Mozik
D Jon Merrill24$1.138M
D Damon Severson22RFAG Mackenzie Blackwood
D Brandon Gormley24RFAG Ken Appleby
D Andrew MacWilliam26UFA
D Karl Stollery28UFA
D Reece Scarlett23RFA
D Seth Helgeson26RFA
G Cory Schneider30$6.0M
G Keith Kinkaid27UFA
G Scott Wedgewood24RFA
RyanMattSuraj
4 – 4 – 14 – 4 – 14 – 4 – 1
F Taylor HallF Taylor HallF Taylor Hall
F Travis ZajacF Travis ZajacF Travis Zajac
F Adam HenriqueF Adam HenriqueF Adam Henrique
F Kyle PalmieriF Mike CammalleriF Kyle Palmieri
D Andy GreeneD Andy GreeneD Andy Greene
D Damon SeversonD Damon SeversonD Damon Severson
D John MooreD John MooreD John Moore
D Jon MerrillD Jon MerrillD Jon Merrill
G Cory SchneiderG Cory SchneiderG Cory Schneider

GM Ray Shero has options at this point. Depending on how he feels, the Devils could use either protection scheme. The debate becomes, would you rather save D Jon Merill/or John Moore or Devante-Smith Pelly and Mike Cammalleri plus one other forward.

Truth be told, if I’m GM George McPhee, my eyes are set squarely on goaltenders Keith Kinkaid and Scott Wedgewood.

Protection Lists:

Switching to a 4-4-1 scheme this time around, we’ve still got Cory Schneider between the pipes, as well as Andy Greene, Damon Severson, John Moore, and now Jon Merrill on the back end. That means I’ve only got four forwards spots to work with, which leaves the likes of Mike Cammalleri exposed. Instead, I’m choosing to protect Taylor Hall, Travis Zajac, Adam Henrique, and Kyle Palmieri.

– Ryan Ritchie

Q: You’ve opted to move to a 4-4-1 protection scheme for the Devils. Jon Merrill replaces Cammalleri, Smith-Pelly, and Bennett. Was this decision performance/money related? I’m interested to hear the thought process behind the switch.

After acquiring Taylor Hall, the Devils have a lot more wiggle room up front. With the current price tags surrounding defensemen, especially young ones, the Devils need to hold on to players like Merrill. He is a good-sized defenseman, and fits the Devils system perfectly. They are already invested in several players for the near future, and they must build around them to be successful immediately. Smith-Pelly and Bennett do not fit those plans, and are looking more like bottom-six players on very good teams.

– Suraj Sukumar

Vegas Golden Knights: New York Islanders goaltender Thomas Greiss (1) makes a blocker save against the Washington Capitals during the third period at Barclays Center. The Islanders won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: New York Islanders goaltender Thomas Greiss (1) makes a blocker save against the Washington Capitals during the third period at Barclays Center. The Islanders won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Islanders

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F John Tavares (NMC)26$5.5MF Anthony Beauvillier
F Andrew Ladd (NMC)30$5.5MF Mathew Barzal
F Mikhail Grabovski32$5.0MF Josh Ho-Sang
F Nikolay Kulemin30$4.188MF Michael Dal Colle
F Anders Lee26$3.75MF Mitch Vande Sompel
F Casey Cizikas25$3.35MF Carter Verhaeghe
F Josh Bailey27$3.3MF Kyle Schempp
F Cal Clutterbuck28$3.5MF Ross Johnston
F Brock Nelson25$2.5M
F Ryan Strome23$2.5MD Parker Wotherspoon
F Jason Chimera37$2.25MD Devon Toews
F Shane Prince23$850KD Kyle Burroughs
F Alan Quine23$613K
F Eric Boulton40UFAG Eamon McAdam
F Ben Holmstrom29UFAG Stephon Williams
F Bracken Kearns35UFA
F Stephen Gionta33UFA
F Steve Bernier31UFA
D Johnny Boychuk (NMC)32$6.0M
D Nick Leddy25$5.5M
D Travis Hamonic26$3.857M
D Thomas Hickey27$2.2M
D Calvin de Haan25RFA
D Dennis Seidenberg35UFA
D Ryan Pulock22$863K
D Scott Mayfield24$625K
D Adam Pelech22RFA
D Matt Finn22RFA
D Lois Leduc22RFA
D Jesse Graham22RFA
G Jaroslav Halak31$4.5M
G Thomas Greiss30$3.3M
G Jean-Francois Berube25RFA
G Christopher Gibson23RFA
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 14 – 4 – 17 – 3 – 1
F John Tavares (NMC)F John Tavares (NMC)F John Tavares (NMC)
F Andrew Ladd (NMC)F Andrew Ladd (NMC)F Andrew Ladd (NMC)
F Anders LeeF Brock NelsonF Anders Lee
F Brock NelsonF Ryan StromeF Brock Nelson
F Ryan StromeD Johnny Boychuk (NMC)F Ryan Strome
F Josh BaileyD Nick LeddyF Josh Bailey
F Casey CizikasD Travis HamonicF Casey Cizikas
D Johnny Boychuk (NMC)D Calvin de HaanD Johnny Boychuk (NMC)
D Nick LeddyG Thomas GreissD Nick Leddy
D Travis HamonicD Thomas Hickey
G Thomas GreissG Jean-Francois Berube
*Hamonic could be traded

The New York Islanders are another team destined to hand the NHL’s 31st franchise a decent player. As it stands, they’ve got way too many defenseman with the likes of Johnny Boychuk, Nick Leddy, Travis Hamonic, Calvin de Haan, Thomas Hickey, and Ryan Pulock. Long story short, the Isles risk losing a piece on the back end.

Protection Lists:

Here’s another team that is difficult to figure out. With reason to save upwards of five defensemen, GM Garth Snow needs to make some difficult decisions. My thought process is this: If the Isles want to protect Ryan Pulock (might be wise), they could use a 4-4-1 scheme leaving both Hickey and de Haan unprotected. Then again, the highly touted prospect is yet to make any type of impact so we’re willing to bet other players rank higher on Las Vegas’ list. Given the amount of quality forwards in need of protection, Garth Snow mid as well use the 7-3-1 format and let George McPhee likely select one of Calvin de Haan or Thomas Hickey.

I was leaning towards protecting Jaroslav Halak at the start of the season after his impressive World Cup performance. Trade rumors and a demotion, however, suggest he may have an expiration date. Given the recent extension to Thomas Greiss, it seems the Isles have decided who they’ll protect.

In terms of locks to be protected, Boychuk, Leddy, and Hamonic make up the back end. Up front, Tavares, Ladd, Lee, Strome, and Nelson are safe. That leaves a couple of spots for the likes of Casey Cizikas, Josh Bailey, Shane Prince, Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolai Kulemin, the list goes on. We’ve opted to protect Cizikas and Bailey.

– Ryan Ritchie

Q: You mentioned the possibility of Travis Hamonic being dealt by the Islanders. Who might be interested/good fit? Who might the Isles target in return from those teams?

I think the Winnipeg Jets was his most desirable home, but they seem to have quieted the noise surrounding Jacob Trouba. However, if that door did open again, the right pieces could finalize that deal. There is a lot more potential surrounding Trouba, but the Islanders have plenty of defensemen and forwards to go around. If they can find the right balance of players and picks, this could be a great fit for both teams.

– Suraj Sukumar

Vegas Golden Knights: New York Rangers right wing Rick Nash (61) celebrates scoring a goal during the first period against the Calgary Flames at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: New York Rangers right wing Rick Nash (61) celebrates scoring a goal during the first period against the Calgary Flames at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Rangers

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Rick Nash (NMC)32$7.8MF Pavel Buchnevich
F Derek Stepan26$6.5MF Jimmy Vesey
F Chris Kreider25$4.625MF Ryan Gropp
F Mats Zuccarello29$4.5MF Robin Kovacs
F J.T. Miller23$2.75MF Adam Tambellini
F Mika Zibanejad23RFAF Adam Chapie
F Kevin Hayes24$2.6MF Cristoval Nieves
F Michael Grabner29$1.65MF Steven Fogarty
F Brandon Pirri25RFAF Malte Stromwall
F Jesper Fast24RFA
F Oscar Lindberg24RFAD Brady Skjei
F Josh Jooris26RFAD Sergey Zborovskiy
F Tanner Glass32UFAD John Gilmour
F Marek Hrivik25RFAD Troy Donnay
F Justin Fontaine28UFAD Ryan Graves
F Chris Brown25RFAD Michael Paliotta
F Nicklas Jensen23RFA
F Matt Puempel23RFAG Brandon Halverson
D Marc Staal (NMC)29$5.7M
D Dan Girardi (NMC)32$5.5M
D Ryan McDonagh27$4.7M
D Kevin Klein31$2.9M
D Nick Holden29$1.65M
D Steven Kampfer28UFA
D Adam Clendening23RFA
D Chris Summers28UFA
D Mat Bodie26UFA
D Calle Andersson22RFA
D Tommy Hughes24RFA
G Henrik Lundqvist (NMC)34$8.5M
G Antti Raanta27$1.0M
G Mackenzie Skapski22RFA
G Magnus Hellberg25RFA
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Rick Nash (NMC)F Rick Nash (NMC)F Rick Nash (NMC)
F Derek StepanF Derek StepanF Derek Stepan
F Chris KreiderF Chris KreiderF Chris Kreider
F Mats ZuccarelloF Mats ZuccarelloF Mats Zuccarello
F Mika ZibanejadF J.T. MillerF Mika Zibanejad
F J.T. MillerF Mika ZibanejadF J.T. Miller
F Kevin HayesF Oscar LindbergF Kevin Hayes
D Dan Girardi (NMC)D Dan Girardi (NMC)D Dan Girardi (NMC)
D Marc Staal (NMC)D Marc Staal (NMC)D Marc Staal (NMC)
D Ryan McDonaghD Ryan McDonaghD Ryan McDonagh
G Henrik Lundqvist (NMC)G Henrik Lundqvist (NMC)G Henrik Lundqvist (NMC)

Things got interesting a few months back when the NHL announced that Rick Nash was among the names of those who needed protection in the expansion draft. Prior to that, many had pegged Nash as a player to be left exposed, and possibly selected by Vegas. Now with the inclusion of Rick Nash, the NY Rangers stands to leave a quality forward exposed.

Protection Lists:

Many of the Rangers protection slots are already accounted for. For example, King Henrik carries that NMC in goal, and so do Girardi and Staal on the back end. With just a single defensive spot open, the obvious selection is Ryan McDonagh. Looking up front, locks to be saved include Nash, Stepan, Kreider, Zuccarello, and Zibanejad. You might even say that J.T. Miller is a borderline must-save, leaving just one spot for the likes of Kevin Hayes, Michael Grabner, Brandon Pirri, Oscar Lindberg, Jesper Fast, the list goes on. I’ve gone with Hayes, but that could change between now and June.

– Ryan Ritchie

Vegas Golden Knights: Ottawa Senators defenseman Chris Wideman (6) celebrates his game tying goal in the last minute of play in the third period against the Calgary Flames at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Flames defeated the Senators 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Ottawa Senators defenseman Chris Wideman (6) celebrates his game tying goal in the last minute of play in the third period against the Calgary Flames at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Flames defeated the Senators 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /

Ottawa Senators

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Bobby Ryan (NMC)29$7.25MF Logan Brown
F Mike Hoffman26$5.188MF Gabriel Gagne
F Derick Brassard29$5.0MF Francis Perron
F Clarke MacArthur31$4.65MF Nick Paul
F Mark Stone24$3.5MF Vincent Dunn
F Kyle Turris27$3.5MF Chad Nehring
F Zack Smith28$3.25M
F Chris Neil37UFAD Thomas Chabot
F Chris Kelly35UFAD Andreas Englund
F Jean-Gabriel Pageau23RFAD Maxime Lajoie
F Curtis Lazar21RFAD Macoy Erkamps
F Casey Bailey25RFAD Ben Harpur
F Tom Pyatt29UFAD Cody Donaghey
F Tommy Wingels28UFA
F Ryan Dzingel24RFAG Matt O’Connor
F Mike Blunden29$738K
F Phil Varone25RFA
F Max McCormick24RFA
F Ryan Rupert22RFA
D Dion Phaneuf (NMC)31$7.0M
D Erik Karlsson26$6.5M
D Marc Methot31$4.9M
D Cody Ceci22$2.8M
D Mark Borowiecki27$1.1M
D Patrick Sieloff22RFA
D Mikael Wikstrand22RFA
D Chris Wideman26$800K
D Mike Kostka30UFA
D Fredrik Claesson23RFA
G Craig Anderson35$4.2M
G Andrew Hammond28$1.35M
G Chris Driedger22RFA
G Mike Condon26UFA
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Bobby Ryan (NMC)F Bobby Ryan (NMC)F Bobby Ryan (NMC)
F Derick BrassardF Derick BrassardF Derick Brassard
F Mark StoneF Mark StoneF Mark Stone
F Mike HoffmanF Mike HoffmanF Mike Hoffman
F Jean-Gabriel PageauF Kyle TurrisF Jean-Gabriel Pageau
F Kyle TurrisF Jean-Gabriel PageauF Kyle Turris
F Zack SmithF Curtis LazarF Ryan Dzingel
D Dion Phaneuf (NMC)D Dion Phaneuf (NMC)D Dion Phaneuf (NMC)
D Erik KarlssonD Erik KarlssonD Erik Karlsson
D Cody CeciD Cody CeciD Cody Ceci
G Craig AndersonG Craig AndersonG Craig Anderson

The Ottawa Senators could use a 4-4-1 protection scheme in order to protect their top four defensive group, but it just won’t be feasible with a plethora of forwards available. It seems Marc Methot could be the odd-man out on the back end, which may or may not interest Las Vegas in his early 30s. Don’t be surprised if the Sens use a conditional pick or prospects to get additional protection for Methot.

Protection Lists:

In the 7-3-1 format, there are five forwards that could be considered virtual locks to be saved: Bobby Ryan, Mike Hoffman, Derick Brassard, Mark Stone, and Kyle Turris. Things get interesting in the battle for those last two spots. J-G Pageau seems like a logical save, leaving a fight between Curtis Lazar, Zack Smith, and Ryan Dzingel for that last spot. It’s interesting because Lazar was the highest investment via the draft. Dzingel is the standout performer of the trio. But Zack Smith is the one who earned an early extension. For that reason alone, it looks like Smith could occupy that final spot.

– Ryan Ritchie

Q: Ryan Dzingel has replaced Curtis Lazar for that final spot up front in Ottawa. While Dzingel has emerged in 2016-17, Lazar has left some muttering the words “bust”. Is it too early to call Lazar a bust? Should the Golden Knights be looking at him as a guy who could emerge with a change of scenery?

The Ottawa Senators have a lot of talent up front. Lazar looked great at the World Junior Championships, but has struggled tremendously in the NHL. He did break his pointless streak with an assist late in January, but there is simply little faith in the young forward at the moment. Based on the Senators have little to offer from a prospect perspective, Lazar could be a great snag for the Golden Knights. The second half of the season will dictate his future in the NHL.

– Suraj Sukumar

Vegas Golden Knights: Philadelphia Flyers goalie Steve Mason (35) comes out of the locker room at the start of the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Hurricanes defeated the Flyers 5-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Philadelphia Flyers goalie Steve Mason (35) comes out of the locker room at the start of the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Hurricanes defeated the Flyers 5-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

Philadelphia Flyers

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Claude Giroux (NMC)28$8.275MF Roman Lyubimov
F Jakub Voracek27$8.25MF Travis Konecny
F Brayden Schenn25$5.125MF Pascal Laberge
F Sean Couturier23$4.33MF Nicolas Aube-Kubel
F Wayne Simmonds28$3.975MF Cole Bardreau
F Matt Read30$3.625MF Danick Martel
F Michael Raffl27$2.35MF Tyrell Goulbourne
F Dale Weise28$2.35MF Radel Fazleev
F Boyd Gordon33UFA
F Scott Laughton22RFAD Robert Hagg
F Nick Cousins23RFAD Ivan Provorov
F Taylor Leier22RFAD Samuel Morin
F Chris VandeVelde29UFAD Travis Sanheim
F P.E. Bellemare31UFAD Reece Wilcox
F Jordan Weal24RFAD Philippe Myers
F Colin McDonald32$638K
F Andy Miele28UFAG Alex Lyon
F Chris Conner32UFAG Carter Hart
F Greg Carey26UFA
D Mark Streit38UFA
D Andrew MacDonald30$5.0M
D Michael Del Zotto26UFA
D Radko Gudas26$3.35M
D Nick Schultz34UFA
D Brandon Manning26$975K
D Shayne Gostisbehere23RFA
D Jesper Pettersson22RFA
D T.J. Brennan27$625K
D Mark Alt25RFA
D Will O’Neill28$613K
G Steve Mason28UFA
G Michal Neuvirth28UFA
G Anthony Stolarz22RFA
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Claude Giroux (NMC)F Claude Giroux (NMC)F Claude Giroux (NMC)
F Jakub VoracekF Jakub VoracekF Jakub Voracek
F Wayne SimmondsF Wayne SimmondsF Wayne Simmonds
F Sean CouturierF Sean CouturierF Sean Couturier
F Brayden SchennF Brayden SchennF Brayden Schenn
F Michael RafflF Matt ReadF Michael Raffl
F Scott LaughtonF Scott LaughtonF Scott Laughton
D Shayne GostisbehereD Shayne GostisbehereD Shayne Gostisbehere
D Radko GudasD Mark StreitD Radko Gudas
D Brandon ManningD Brandon ManningD Brandon Manning
G Steve MasonG Anthony StolarzG Anthony Stolarz.

Philly has a lot of tough decisions to make in expansion. Who do they protect between the pipes? Which defenders beyond the Ghost need to be saved? Which forwards occupy those last couple of spots in a seven forward scheme? We’ve done our best to tackle these questions.

Protection Lists:

I’m opting to protect Steve Mason right now. Both Mason and Neuvirth are UFAs next summer, while 22-year-old Anthony Stolarz also remains as an option. At this point, it looks like Mason could earn another contract, but we’ll have to see how the season plays out.

On the blue line, a max of four defensemen could potentially use protection and that number dips to three if the Flyers let Michael Del Zotto walk into free agency. Philly is trending towards a younger back end, so I’ve opted to protect Gostisbehere, Gudas, and Manning.

Five forwards are virtual locks for Philadelphia: Claude Giroux (NMC), Jakub Voracek, Sean Couturier, Wayne Simmonds, and Brayden Schenn. That leaves two forward spots for a number of players. This is where the debate will be as I’ve chosen Scott Laughton and Michael Raffl. Those selections leave Matt Read, Dale Weise, Nick Cousins, Taylor Leier, and P.E. Bellemare on the outside looking in.

– Ryan Ritchie

Vegas Golden Knights: Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and defenseman Brian Dumoulin (8) talk prior to a face-off against the Nashville Predators during the third period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and defenseman Brian Dumoulin (8) talk prior to a face-off against the Nashville Predators during the third period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Pittsburgh Penguins

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Evgeni Malkin (NMC)30$9.5MF Thomas DiPauli
F Sidney Crosby (NMC)29$8.7MF Jake Guentzel
F Phil Kessel (NMC)29$6.8MF Teddy Blueger
F Patric Hornqvist29$4.25MF Daniel Sprong
F Carl Hagelin28$4.0MF Dominik Simon
F Chris Kunitz37UFAF Conor Sheary
F Eric Fehr31$2.0MF Carter Rowney
F Nick Bonino28UFA
F Matt Cullen39UFAD Ethan Prow
F Oskar Sundqvist22RFAD Lukas Bengtsson
F Josh Archibald24RFA
F Bryan Rust24$640KG Sean Maguire
F Scott Wilson24$625KG Tristan Jarry
F Tom Kuhnhackl24$625K
F Jean-Sebastian Dea22RFA
F Tom Sestito29UFA
F Garrett Wilson25RFA
F Kevin Porter30UFA
F Danny Kristo26UFA
D Kris Letang (NMC)29$7.25M
D Olli Maatta22$4.083M
D Trevor Daley33UFA
D Ian Cole27$2.1M
D Justin Schultz26RFA
D Derrick Pouliot22RFA
D Brian Dumoulin25RFA
D David Warsofsky26UFA
D Chad Ruhwedel26UFA
D Stuart Percy23RFA
D Cameron Gaunce26UFA
D Steve Oleksy30UFA
D Tim Erixon25RFA
G Marc-Andre Fleury (NMC)31$5.75M
G Matt Murray22$3.75M
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Sidney Crosby (NMC)F Sidney Crosby (NMC)F Sidney Crosby (NMC)
F Evgeni Malkin (NMC)F Evgeni Malkin (NMC)F Evgeni Malkin (NMC)
F Phil Kessel (NMC)F Phil Kessel (NMC)F Phil Kessel (NMC)
F Patric HornqvistF Patric HornqvistF Patric Hornqvist
F Nick BoninoF Carl HagelinF Nick Bonino
F Carl HagelinF Chris KunitzF Carl Hagelin
F Bryan RustF Oskar SundqvistF Bryan Rust
D Kris LetangD Kris LetangD Kris Letang
D Olli MaattaD Olli MaattaD Olli Maatta
D Justin SchultzD Justin SchultzD Justin Schultz
G Matt MurrayG Matt MurrayG Matt Murray
*Fleury asked to waive NMC/or*Fleury asked to waive NMC/or*Fleury should be traded
presumed to be tradedpresumed to be traded

The Penguins still have a lot of work to do ahead of the expansion draft. They need to trade Marc-Andre Fleury, or risk having to buy him out in the summer. They’ve also got a headache on the back end, which has only gotten worse over time. Heading into 2016-17, it seemed Pittsburgh would need to make a tough decision between protecting Brian Dumoulin or Derrick Pouliot. Instead what they got was an emerging Justin Schultz to further complicate matters. It’ll be interesting to see what the Pens do moving forward.

Protection Lists:

This is pure speculation, but something tells me that Pittsburgh will do a good job at hiding Pouliot the rest of 2016-17. He started the year on the long-term IR, and if they force him down to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for most/or all of the season, it becomes increasingly difficult for Las Vegas to select a player with limited NHL experience.

With Pouliot on the sidelines, Pittsburgh can save Letang, Maatta, and Schultz. That leaves Ian Cole, Trevor Daley, and Brian Dumoulin available.

Picking six of the seven forwards was fairly simple. Malkin, Crosby, and Kessel have no-move clauses. Hornqvist, Bonino, and Hagelin might be considered that next tier of forwards, which leaves just one opening up front. Here’s where the serious debate begins as we’re choosing between Bryan Rust, Scott Wilson, Tom Kuhnhackl, and Garrett Wilson (among others).

– Ryan Ritchie

Q: It seems Justin Schultz continues to shine, forcing all three of us to use a protection slot on a guy who seemed his next stop was Europe. The Penguins were already facing a difficult decision between Brian Dumoulin and Derrick Pouliot on the back end heading into 2016-17. Should Pens fans be worried about losing a young, quality defender in the expansion draft?

100%. If there is anything Vegas should be chasing from current teams, it is going to be defense. However, if they want to be successful right away, they could look towards more experienced players, which would work in the Penguins’ favor. I still think Marc-Andre Fleury has a big part to play. If he does not get traded, and the Penguins are able to convince him to waive his NMC, the Golden Knights could go for the Stanley Cup-winning goaltender. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out closer to the NHL trade deadline.

– Suraj Sukumar

Even if Pittsburgh or ourselves decided a 4-4-1 scheme instead of a 7-3-1, Pittsburgh would still be losing either Dumoulin or Pouliot. So regardless of the Pens decision, fans should definitely be worried about losing a quality young defenseman. The only way they could possibly overcome it is to do a 4-4-1 scheme and use a conditional pick to protect the left over defensemen.

– Matt Duscharme

Vegas Golden Knights: San Jose Sharks left wing Patrick Marleau (12) celebrates with center Joe Thornton (19) after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks in the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: San Jose Sharks left wing Patrick Marleau (12) celebrates with center Joe Thornton (19) after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks in the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

San Jose Sharks

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Joe Thornton37UFAF Marcus Sorensen
F Patrick Marleau37UFAF Joonas Donskoi
F Joe Pavelski32$6.0MF Timo Meier
F Logan Couture27$6.0MF Nikolay Goldobin
F Mikkel Boedker26$4.0MF Danny O’Regan
F Joel Ward35$3.275MF Jonathon Martin
F Tomas Hertl22$3.0MF Kevin Lebanc
F Buddy Robinson25RFAF Alex Schoenborn
F Melker Karlsson26RFAF Adam Helewka
F Chris Tierney22RFAF Rourke Chartier
F Barclay Goodrow23RFAF Nikita Jevpalovs
F Micheal Haley30UFA
F Ryan Carpenter25RFAD Jeremy Roy
F Zack Stortini31UFAD Patrick McNally
D Michael Brodzinski
D Brent Burns31$8.0MD Julius Bergman
D Paul Martin35$4.85MD Joakim Ryan
D Marc-Edouard Vlasic29$4.25MD Cavan Fitzgerald
D Justin Braun29$3.8M
D Brenden Dillon25$3.27MG Mantas Armalis
D David Schlemko29$2.1M
D Mirco Mueller21RFA
D Tim Heed25RFA
D Dylan DeMelo23$650K
D Dan Kelly27UFA
G Martin Jones26$3.0M
G Aaron Dell27$625K
G Troy Grosenick27UFA
RyanMattSuraj
4 – 4 – 17 – 3 – 14 – 4 – 1
F Joe PavelskiF Joe ThorntonF Joe Pavelski
F Tomas HertlF Patrick MarleauF Tomas Hertl
F Logan CoutureF Joe PavelskiF Logan Couture
F Melker KarlssonF Logan CoutureF Melker Karlsson
D Brent BurnsF Mikkel BoedkerD Brent Burns
D Marc-Edouard VlasicF Tomas HertlD Marc-Edouard Vlasic
D Brenden DillonF Melker KarlssonD Brenden Dillon
D Dylan DeMeloD Brent BurnsD Dylan DeMelo
G Martin JonesD Marc-Edouard VlasicG Martin Jones
D Justin Braun
G Martin Jones

Let the debate begin! Truth be told, the Sharks have a number of similar quality players that just happen to fall in that gray area where only a limited amount can be protected at each position. So, those final few spots up front and last spot on the blue line has multiple players vying to be saved.

The debate goes further than just players though. San Jose needs to figure out whether they plan to protect seven forwards or four-plus defenseman. The 7-3-1 scheme is most likely, but that could change depending how SJ does in 2016-17.

*Important note: Suraj and I are omitting Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. Both are slated to become UFAs and I don’t think they’d be interested in either – Suraj thinks otherwise as you’ll see later on. San Jose can save the two forward spots with a safe gamble that Thornton/Marleau go untouched. The only way these lists change is if SJ reaches an extension with either before the end of the year.

Protection Lists:

This time around, I’ve opted to switch to a 4-4-1 protection scheme. Martin Jones is a lock between the pipes. On the blue line, I’m going with Brent Burns, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Breden Dillon, and Dylan DeMelo. That leaves just four spots up front. Without the need to protect Thornton or Marleau, we’re technically only losing the ability to protect one forward that would have previously slipped in with the 7-3-1 scheme. Joe Pavelski, Tomas Hertl, and Logan Couture are must-save forwards, leaving just one spot for debate. I think Melker Karlsson is worth protecting given his age/skill-set, but one could make an argument for the likes of Joel Ward, Chris Tierney, or Barclay Goodrow (among others).
– Ryan Ritchie

Vegas Golden Knights: St. Louis Blues left wing Kenny Agostino (73) celebrates his goal with left wing Kenny Agostino (73) and center Jori Lehtera (12) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. The Blues defeated the Flyers, 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: St. Louis Blues left wing Kenny Agostino (73) celebrates his goal with left wing Kenny Agostino (73) and center Jori Lehtera (12) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. The Blues defeated the Flyers, 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

St. Louis Blues

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Vladimir Tarasenko24$7.5MF Mackenzie MacEachern
F Paul Stastny30$7.0MF Robby Fabbri
F Alexander Steen32$5.75MF Jordan Kyrou
F Jaden Schwartz24$5.35MF Ivan Barbashev
F Jori Lehtera28$4.7MF Adam Musil
F David Perron28$3.75MF Conner Bleackley
F Patrik Berglund28UFAF Justin Selman
F Nail Yakupov23RFAF Samuel Blais
F Ryan Reaves29$1.125MF Wade Megan
F Dmitrij Jaskin23$1.0M
F Kyle Brodziak32$950KD Jordan Schmaltz
F Scottie Upshall33UFAD Colton Parayko
F Landon Ferraro25RFAD Vince Dunn
F Magnus Paajarvi25RFAD Thomas Vennelli
F Kenny Agostino24RFAD Dmitri Sergeev
F Andrew Agozzino25RFA
F Jacob Doty23RFAG Ville Husso
F Jordan Caron25RFAG Luke Opilka
F Alex Friesen25RFA
D Alex Pietrangelo26$6.5M
D Jay Bouwmeester33$5.4M
D Kevin Shattenkirk27UFA
D Carl Gunnarsson29$2.9M
D Robert Bortuzzo27$1.15M
D Joel Edmundson23$1.05M
D Petteri Lindbohm23RFA
D Chris Butler30UFA
D Morgan Ellis24RFA
D Reid McNeill24RFA
G Jake Allen26$4.35M
G Carter Hutton30$1.125M
G Phoenix Copley24RFA
G Jordan Binnington23RFA
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Vladimir TarasenkoF Vladimir TarasenkoF Vladimir Tarasenko
F Jaden SchwartzF Paul StastnyF Jaden Schwartz
F Jori LehteraF Alexander SteenF Jori Lehtera
F David PerronF Jaden SchwartzF David Perron
F Alexander SteenF Jori LehteraF Alexander Steen
F Paul StastnyF David PerronF Paul Stastny
F Dmitrij JaskinF Patrik BerglundF Dmitrij Jaskin
D Alex PietrangeloD Alex PietrangeloD Alex Pietrangelo
D Jay BouwmeesterD Jay BouwmeesterD Jay Bouwmeester
D Joel EdmundsonD Joel EdmundsonD Joel Edmundson
G Jake AllenG Jake AllenG Jake Allen
*Shattenkirk expected to be*Shattenkirk expected to be*agree with Shattenkirk
traded at some pointtraded at some point

The Blues are in a tough position. If they want to save seven forwards, they likely stand to lose a quality defender. Should they choose to protect four or more defenseman, quality forwards become available. One way or another, St. Louis stands to lose a decent player unless they can wheel and deal in June to protect a few extra bodies via trade.

Protection Lists:

The way I see it is this: Four forwards, two defensemen, and goalie Jake Allen all require protection. That leaves three forwards and one d-man to fill out our list.

Looking to the back end, three players are vying for that last spot; Joel Edmundson, Petteri Lindbohm, and Carl Gunnarsson. Given his age and cap hit, it might be safe to assume Gunnarsson will be on the outside looking in. It seems Edmundson might have the early lead on Lindbohm, but we’ll have to see how the new season plays out.

Up front, those last three spots are tough to pick. Still available at this point is Paul Stastny, David Perron, Patrik Berglund (UFA), Nail Yakupov, and Dmitrij Jaskin. How exactly is St. Louis supposed to pick between that group? Right now, it seems Stastny and Jaskin might be the top two.

– Ryan Ritchie

Q: Ty Rattie was claimed off waivers by Carolina, leaving an extra forward spot for the Blues. Aside from your pick, which other players are candidates for a possible save and how close is that battle between the likes of Jaskin, Berglund, Yakupov, etc?

I am a big Ty Rattie fan, and I’m glad to see him get an opportunity with the Hurricanes. As for the Blues, they need to focus on the now, and players like Jaskin and Yakupov are still major question marks. I like Jaskin’s physical and defensive play, but Berglund’s overall ability could edge out both youngsters. For now, Jaskin gets the nod after making a good transition to the pros, and costing just $1 million next season. It would be nice to see Yakupov save his career in Las Vegas anyway.

– Suraj Sukumar

Well, Yakupov hasn’t shown St. Louis anything since coming over in the deal, so in my opinion losing him wouldn’t be a big deal. Berglund, on the other hand, is a key player the Blues need down the middle and Jaskin is a solid fourth line winger. But with that being said, fourth line fringe wingers aren’t hard to find so he can easily be replaced as well. So going forward the key player St. Louis needs to focus on out of the three is Berglund.

– Matt Duscharme

Vegas Golden Knights: Tampa Bay Lightning center Tyler Johnson (9) celebrates with teammates on the bench after scoring a goal against the Ottawa Senators during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Tampa Bay Lightning center Tyler Johnson (9) celebrates with teammates on the bench after scoring a goal against the Ottawa Senators during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Tampa Bay Lightning

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Steven Stamkos (NMC)26$8.5MF Adam Erne
F Ryan Callahan (NMC)31$5.8MF Mitchell Stephens
F Valtteri Filppula (NMC)32$5.0MF Matthew Peca
F Nikita Kucherov23$4.767MF Anthony Cirelli
F Alex Killorn27$4.45MF Dennis Yan
F Tyler Johnson26RFAF Brian Hart
F Ondrej Palat25RFAF Jonne Tammela
F Brian Boyle31UFAF Brayden Point
F Vladislav Namestnikov23$1.938MF Cameron Darcy
F Erik Condra30$1.25MF Joel Vermin
F J.T. Brown26$1.25M
F Jonathan Drouin21RFAD Dominik Masin
F Cedric Paquette23$813KD Ben Thomas
F Henri Ikonen22RFAD Daniel Walcott
F Gabriel Dumont26RFA
F Tye McGinn26RFAG Adam Wilcox
F Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond31UFA
F Michael Bournival24RFA
F Mike Halmo25RFA
F Cory Conacher26UFA
F Yanni Gourde24RFA
F Jeremy Morin25RFA
F Tanner Richard23RFA
D Jason Garrison31$4.6M
D Anton Stralman30$4.5M
D Victor Hedman25$7.875M
D Braydon Coburn31$3.7M
D Andrej Sustr25RFA
D Slater Koekkoek22RFA
D Dylan Blujus22RFA
D Jake Dotchin22RFA
D Luke Witkowski26UFA
D Matt Taormina30UFA
D Jonathan Racine23RFA
G Ben Bishop29UFA
G Andrei Vasilevskiy22$3.5M
G Kristers Gudlevskis24RFA
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Steven Stamkos (NMC)F Steven Stamkos (NMC)F Steven Stamkos (NMC)
F Ryan Callahan (NMC)F Ryan Callahan (NMC)F Ryan Callahan (NMC)
F Valtteri Filppula (NMC)F Valtteri Filppula (NMC)F Valtteri Filppula (NMC)
F Nikita KucherovF Nikita KucherovF Nikita Kucherov
F Tyler JohnsonF Tyler JohnsonF Tyler Johnson
F Ondrej PalatF Ondrej PalatF Ondrej Palat
F Jonathan DrouinF Jonathan DrouinF Jonathan Drouin
D Victor HedmanD Victor HedmanD Victor Hedman
D Anton StralmanD Anton StralmanD Anton Stralman
D Andrej SustrD Slater KoekkoekD Andrej Sustr
G Andrei VasilevskiyG Andrei VasilevskiyG Andrei Vasilevskiy
*Bishop traded at deadline

Even though they’re one of the deepest teams that promise to hand Las Vegas a top selection, the Lightning’s protection list is arguably the easiest to determine. Their seven forward spots are locked in, which leaves debate for maybe one or two spots on the back end.

Ben Bishop will be omitted until he finds a new home. It’s unclear if he’ll stick around the entire year or not, but at some point, he will be moved. The 22-year-old Andrei Vasilevskiy is the logical save between the pipes.

Protection Lists:

As mentioned, the forward spots are all accounted for. Between NMC’s for Stamkos, Callahan, and Filppula, it leaves just enough room to protect Kucherov, Johnson, Palat, and Drouin. Little can be done to save the likes of Alex Killorn, Vladislav Namestnikov, or J.T. Brown.

Hedman is a lock on the back end obviously. The only real debate is the last two d-slots. I’m assuming Steve Yzerman might favor the likes of Sustr and Stralman over veterans Garrison and Coburn. Slater Koekkoek might also be in the mix.

– Ryan Ritchie

Vegas Golden Knights: Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) celebrates his goal during the third period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) celebrates his goal during the third period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto Maple Leafs

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Joffrey Lupul33$5.25MF Trevor Moore
F Nazem Kadri26$4.5MF Auston Matthews
F Brooks Laich33UFAF Zach Hyman
F James van Riemsdyk27$4.25MF William Nylander
F Tyler Bozak30$4.2MF Mitch Marner
F Milan Michalek31UFAF Kasperi Kapanen
F Leo Komarov29$2.95MF Frederik Gauthier
F Colin Greening30UFAF Andreas Johnsson
F Matt Martin27$2.5MF Nikita Soshnikov
F Kerby RychelF Tobias Lindberg
F Connor Brown22$863KF Dmytro Timashov
F Ben Smith22RFA
F Brendan Leipsic28UFAD Nikita Zaitsev
F Josh Leivo22RFAD Travis Dermott
F Byron Froese23$613KD Rinat Valiev
F Seth Griffith23RFAD Justin Holl
D Andrew Nielsen
D Morgan Rielly22$5.0MG Kasimir Kaskisuo
D Jake Gardiner26$4.05M
D Roman Polak30UFA
D Martin Marincin24$1.25M
D Connor Carrick22$750K
D Viktor Loov23RFA
D Frank Corrado23RFA
D Andrew Campbell28UFA
D Matt Hunwick31UFA
G Frederik Andersen27$5.0M
G Curtis McElhinney33UFA
G Antoine Bibeau22RFA
G Garret Sparks23RFA
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Nazem KadriF Nazem KadriF Nazem Kadri
F James van RiemsdykF James van RiemsdykF James van Riemsdyk
F Leo KomarovF Tyler BozakF Leo Komarov
F Connor BrownF Connor BrownF Connor Brown
F Matt MartinF Leo KomarovF Matt Martin
F Brendan LeipsicF Brendan LeipsicF Brendan Leipsic
F Josh LeivoF Matt MartinF Josh Leivo
D Morgan RiellyD Morgan RiellyD Morgan Rielly
D Jake GardinerD Jake GardinerD Jake Gardiner
D Connor CarrickD Connor CarrickD Connor Carrick
G Frederik AndersenG Frederik AndersenG Frederik Andersen

The Maple Leafs are one of the few teams that could use either protection scheme and have it make little difference to the quality of player left available. Given the fact there’s a handful of younger forwards who could have a future in Toronto, it might make sense to use the traditional 7-3-1 option.

Protection Lists:

In terms of locks for protections, goaltender Frederik Andersen, defenders Morgan Rielly and Jake Gardiner, and forwards Nazem Kadri, James van Riemsdyk, Leo Komarov, and Connor Brown are safe bets. For those final three forward spots, we’re opting with Brendan Leipsic, Matt Martin, and Josh Leivo.

For that final spot on the blue line, I’ve selected Connor Carrick. Some may opt for Martin Marincin, as I did back in November. The more you watch him play though, the less worthy of a protection spot he seems to be.

– Ryan Ritchie

Q: The Maple Leafs clearly need some help on the right side of the back end.  Which defenders would Toronto be wise to target, and who would you be willing to give up to acquire that upgrade?

All the talk about van Riemsdyk being moved for a defenseman doesn’t sit well with me, he’s been a solid scorer for the Leafs and is consistent every game. Moving him for a right handed defenseman just for a possible first-round exit from the playoffs wouldn’t be a smart decision. Him, Bozak, and Marner play absolutely well together, and that’s not something that should be broken up, but if Gretzky can be moved, anything can happen. For Toronto to acquire a defenseman without using JVR as a key stone of the deal, the Leafs would have to move a couple prospects in doing so. And that doesn’t really serve justice to the “proper youth rebuild” they want to achieve cause moving out younger players with talent for a defenseman over 25 or even higher is a step backwards. But that’s what it would take, either JVR and a couple of picks, or a few solid prospects and a pick, so either option isn’t a good one. The best move would be waiting until free agency and seeing what’s on the market, and if Edmonton doesn’t offer Russell a contract by then, why not take another shot at him?

– Matt Duscharme

Vegas Golden Knights: Vancouver Canucks forward Bo Horvat (53) celebrates his goal against Minnesota Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk (40) (not pictured) during the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Vancouver Canucks forward Bo Horvat (53) celebrates his goal against Minnesota Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk (40) (not pictured) during the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Vancouver Canucks

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Daniel Sedin (NMC)36$7.0MF Jake Virtanen
F Henrik Sedin (NMC)36$7.0MF Yan-Pavel Laplante
F Loui Eriksson (NMC)31$6.0MF Joseph Labate
F Alex Burrows35UFAF Michael Carcone
F Brandon Sutter27$4.375MF Cole Cassels
F Derek Dorsett29$2.65M
F Jannik Hansen30$2.5MD Troy Stecher
F Sven Baertschi24$1.85MD Nikita Tryamkin
F Anton Rodin25RFAD Olli Juolevi
F Markus Granlund23$900KD Ben Hutton
F Bo Horvat21RFAD Jordan Subban
F Brendan Gaunce22RFAD Guillaume Brisebois
F Jack Skille29UFAD Ashton Sautner
F Michael Zalewski24RFAD MacKenze Stewart
F Jayson Megna26UFAD Anton Cederholm
F Michael Chaput24RFA
F Alexandre Grenier25RFAG Thatcher Demko
F Borna Rendulic24RFAG Michael Garteig
F Reid Boucher23RFA
D Alex Edler30$5.0M
D Chris Tanev26$4.45M
D Luca Sbisa26$3.6M
D Erik Gudbranson24RFA
D Philip Larsen26UFA
D Alex Biega28$750K
D Andrey Pedan23RFA
D Chad Billins27UFA
D Evan McEneny22RFA
D Tom Nilsson23RFA
G Ryan Miller36UFA
G Jacob Markstrom26$3.667M
G Richard Bachman29$650K
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Daniel Sedin (NMC)F Daniel Sedin (NMC)F Daniel Sedin (NMC)
F Henrik Sedin (NMC)F Henrik Sedin (NMC)F Henrik Sedin (NMC)
F Loui Eriksson (NMC)F Loui Eriksson (NMC)F Loui Eriksson (NMC)
F Brandon SutterF Bo HorvatF Brandon Sutter
F Jannik HansenF Markus GranlundF Jannik Hansen
F Bo HorvatF Alex BurrowsF Bo Horvat
F Sven BaertschiF Jannik HansenF Sven Baertschi
D Erik GudbransonD Erik GudbransonD Erik Gudbranson
D Chris TanevD Alex EdlerD Chris Tanev
D Alex EdlerD Chris TanevD Alex Edler
G Jacob MarkstromG Jacob MarkstromG Jacob Markstrom

Well, if you’re a Canucks fan, at least you can take comfort in the fact that all necessary players will be protected. That being said, it has a lot to more to do with the mess GM Jim Benning has created in Vancouver with a lack of talent. Not all hope is lost though. They’ve got some exciting pieces in the system that include Thatcher Demko, Brock Boeser, Cole Cassels, and Guillaume Brisebois (among others). With a few good moves, this organization could quickly get back on track.

Protection Lists:

Despite the strong start, it seems veteran Ryan Miller is on his way out with an expiring contract. Vancouver needs to protect Markstrom and future in goal circles around top prospect Thatcher Demko. 2016-17 is simply about making sure Markstrom can handle a large workload. Demko will need support at the start of his career and injuries are always possible.

On the blue line, Edler, Tanev, and Gudbranson are the logical saves at this point. Some speculation has suggested that Vancouver may opt to trade Edler to continue the trend towards a younger team, but we’ll have to wait and see.

Up front, the Sedin twins and Eriksson own no-move clauses and require protection. The next three players that need protection are Bo Horvat, Brandon Sutter, and Jannik Hansen, leaving a single spot. Left available is Alex Burrows, Derek Dorsett, Sven Baertschi, Anton Rodin, and Markus Granlund (among others). Whoever impresses the most from Rodin, Beartschi, and Granlund in 2016-17 is the likely save. Our money is on Rodin at this point even though he’s still on the injured reserve.

– Ryan Ritchie

Vegas Golden Knights: Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie (77) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Los Angeles Kings in the second period at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie (77) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Los Angeles Kings in the second period at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Capitals

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Alex Ovechkin31$9.538MF Zach Sanford
F Nicklas Backstrom28$6.7MF Jakub Vrana
F Marcus Johansson26$4.583MF Travis Boyd
F T.J. Oshie29UFAF Riley Barber
F Lars Eller27$3.5MF Tim McGauley
F Justin Williams35UFA
F Evgeny Kuznetsov24RFAD Connor Hobbs
F Daniel Winnik31UFAD Jonas Siegenthaler
F Tom Wilson22$2.0MD Madison Bowey
F Jay Beagle31$1.75MD Trevor Lewington
F Andre Burakovsky21RFA
F Brett Connolly24RFAG Vitek Vanecek
F Chandler Stephenson22RFAG Adam Carlson
F Nathan Walker22RFA
F Liam O’Brien22RFA
F Zach Sill28$613K
F Garrett Mitchell25RFA
F Paul Carey28UFA
F Brad Malone27UFA
F Stanislav Galiev24RFA
F Chris Bourque30UFA
F Christian Thomas24RFA
D Matt Niskanen29$5.75M
D Brooks Orpik36$5.5M
D John Carlson26$3.967M
D Karl Alzner28UFA
D Dmitry Orlov25RFA
D Nate Schmidt25RFA
D Taylor Chorney29$800K
D Christian Djoos22RFA
D Aaron Ness26$613K
D Darren Dietz23RFA
G Braden Holtby27$6.1M
G Philipp Grubauer24RFA
G Joe Cannata26UFA
RyanMattSuraj
7 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Alex OvechkinF Alex OvechkinF Alex Ovechkin
F Nicklas BackstromF Nicklas BackstromF Nicklas Backstrom
F Evgeny KuznetsovF Evgeny KuznetsovF Evgeny Kuznetsov
F Andre BurakovskyF Andre BurakovskyF Andre Burakovsky
F Marcus JohanssonF T.J. OshieF Marcus Johansson
F Tom WilsonF Lars EllerF Tom Wilson
F T.J. OshieF Marcus JohanssonF T.J. Oshie
D Matt NiskanenD Matt NiskanenD Matt Niskanen
D John CarlsonD John CarlsonD John Carlson
D Dmitry OrlovD Karl AlznerD Dmitry Orlov
G Braden HoltbyG Braden HoltbyG Braden Holtby

Washington is another one of those teams that basically controls their own destiny in who they lose. If they choose to protect seven forwards, they more than likely stand to lose a quality d-man. Should they choose to save an extra blueliner, it will certainly cost them a top-six forward. Decisions, decisions.

Protection Lists:

My thought process is this: one defender such as Karl Alzner is not as valuable as Marcus Johansson, Tom Wilson, and T.J. Oshie combined. In this 7-3-1 scheme, we’ve got three forwards, all three defensemen, and Braden Holtby in net as locks to be saved. On the back end, Niskanen, Carlson, and Orlov are logical choices. Up front, Ovechkin, Backstrom, and Kuznetsov are the glue that holds this team together. The next closest player to lock-status is Andre Burakovsky with Marcus Johansson trailing closely behind. For those final two spots, I’ve gone with Wilson and Oshie, leaving Brett Connolly, Justin Williams (UFA), Daniel Winnik (UFA), Jay Beagle, and Lars Eller available.

– Ryan Ritchie

Vegas Golden Knights: Winnipeg Jets center Bryan Little (18), defenseman Dustin Byfuglien (33) and right wing Blake Wheeler (26) celebrate after defeating the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Winnipeg Jets center Bryan Little (18), defenseman Dustin Byfuglien (33) and right wing Blake Wheeler (26) celebrate after defeating the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

Winnipeg Jets

AvailableAge17/18Automatically Exempt
F Mark Scheifele23$6.125MF Jack Roslovic
F Blake Wheeler30$5.6MF Patrik Laine
F Bryan Little28$4.7MF Andrew Copp
F Drew Stafford30UFAF Kyle Connor
F Mathieu Perreault28$4.125MF Nikolaj Ehlers
F Shawn Matthias28$2.125MF Brandon Tanev
F Chris Thorburn33UFAF Brendan Lemieux
F Adam Lowry23$1.125MF Nic Petan
F Joel Armia23$925KF Chase De Leo
F Marko Dano21RFAF James Lodge
F Scott Kosmachuk22RFAF Axel Blomqvist
F Anthony Peluso27UFA
F Quinton Howden24RFAD Josh Morrissey
F J.C. Lipon23RFAD Nelson Nogier
F Ryan Olsen22RFAD Jan Kostalek
G Jamie Phillips
D Dustin Byfuglien (NMC)31$7.6MG Eric Comrie
D Tobias Enstrom (NMC)31$5.75M
D Tyler Myers26$5.5M
D Jacob Trouba22$3.0M
D Paul Postma27UFA
D Ben Chiarot25RFA
D Julian Melchiori24$625K
D Brian Strait28UFA
D Brenden Kichton24RFA
G Ondrej Pavelec29UFA
G Michael Hutchinson26$1.15M
G Connor Hellebuyck23RFA
RyanMattSuraj
4 – 4 – 14 – 4 – 17 – 3 – 1
F Mark ScheifeleF Mark ScheifeleF Mark Scheifele
F Blake WheelerF Blake WheelerF Blake Wheeler
F Bryan LittleF Bryan LittleF Bryan Little
F Joel ArmiaF Adam LowryF Joel Armia
D Dustin Byfuglien (NMC)D Dustin Byfuglien (NMC)F Marko Dano
D Toby Enstrom (NMC)D Toby Enstrom (NMC)F Adam Lowry
D Tyler MyersD Tyler MyersF Scott Kosmachuk
D Jacob TroubaD Jacob TroubaD Dustin Byfuglien (NMC)
G Connor HellebuyckG Connor HellebuyckD Tyler Myers
D Jacob Trouba
G Connor Hellebuyck
*Enstrom asked to waive NMC

The Jets are one of those rare teams that could make an argument for using either protection scheme. If they could get Toby Enstrom to waive his NMC or find a trade partner for a defender, it opens up the door to protecting three extra forwards. If they choose to stand pat, Winnipeg may be forced to use a 4-4-1 scheme, leaving a few extra forwards exposed. We could learn a lot over the next month.

More from Puck Prose

Protection Lists:

I’ve chosen to go with a 4-4-1 scheme, assuming the Jets keep their defensive group together. The obvious saves are Byfuglien, Enstrom, Myers, and Trouba on the back end, and Connor Hellebuyck in goal. Looking up front, Scheifele, Wheeler, and Little are your virtual locks, leaving just a single spot for a handful of players. The battle is basically between Joel Armia and Mathieu Perreault, and the way I see it, if you’re losing talent anyways, then you might as well force Vegas to pay for it, hence why I’ve opted to protect Armia.

– Ryan Ritchie

Q: For the second month in a row, you’ve opted to protect Jets forward Scott Kosmachuk. What is it about his game that makes him a worthy save if Winnipeg has the ability to save seven forwards?

They need depth forwards, badly. They have good goalies, a very strong defensive group, and highly-talented forwards for years to come. To take the next step in the NHL food chain, the Jets need to start developing players for the bottom half of their squad. Players like Joel Armia and Nicolas Petan are not depth forwards, and the Jets need to address their third and fourth lines if they want to succeed against the best teams. Maybe Kosmachuk is a step in the right direction.

– Suraj Sukumar

Vegas Golden Knights: General aerial view of the MGM Grand Las Vegas hotel and casino and the Las Vegas strip and skyline on Las Vegas Blvd. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: General aerial view of the MGM Grand Las Vegas hotel and casino and the Las Vegas strip and skyline on Las Vegas Blvd. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Vegas Golden Knights – Ryan Ritchie

Forwards
NamePosAge17/1818/1919/2020/2121/22
Marian GaborikRW34$4.875M$4.875M$4.875M$4.875MUFA
Tyler EnnisC/W27$4.6M$4.6MUFA
Alex KillornC/LW27$4.45M$4.45M$4.45M$4.45M$4.45M..
Colin WilsonC/LW27$3.938M$3.938MUFA
Jakob SilfverbergRW/LW26$3.75M$3.75MUFA
Patrik BerglundC/LW28UFA
Matt ReadRW/LW30$3.625MUFA
Lance BoumaC/W26$2.2MUFA
Jason ZuckerLW/RW25$2.0MRFA
Joakim NordstromLW24$1.275MRFA
Marko DanoC/W22RFA
Phillip DanaultC23$913kRFA
Markus GranlundC23$900kRFA
Curtis LazarC/RW21RFA
Kerby RychelLW22$863kRFA
Brett ConnollyRW/LW24RFA
Defense
NameLH/RHAge17/1818/1919/2020/2121/22
Jack JohnsonLHD30$4.357MUFA
Thomas HickeyLHD27$2.2MUFA
Nick JensenRHD26RFA
Jordie BennLHD29$1.1M$1.1MUFA
Alex PetrovicRHD24RFA
Kevin ConnautonLHD26$1.0MUFA
Mirco MuellerLHD21RFA
Trevor van RiemsdykRHD25$825kRFA
Brian DumoulinLHD25RFA
Seth HelgesonLHD26RFA
Goalies
NameAge17/1818/1919/2020/2121/22
Semyon Varlamov28$5.9M$5.9MUFA
Antti Raanta27$1.0MUFA
Malcolm Subban23RFA
Laurent Brossoit23$750kRFA

Projected Cap Hit: $50,525,476
Projected Cap Space: $21,169,524
Players Under Contract: 20

Vegas Golden Knights – Matt Duscharme

Forwards
NamePosAge17/1818/1919/2020/2121/22
F Kyle PalmieriRW/LW25$4,65M$4,65M$4,65M$4,65MUFA
F Cody EakinC25$3.85M$3.85M$3.85MUFA
F Jakob SilfverbergRW/LW26$3.75M$3.75MUFA
F David DesharnaisC30UFA
F Jamie McGinnLW/RW28$3.33M$3.33MUFA
F Josh BaileyLW/RW27$3.3MUFA
F Charlie CoyleC/RW24$3.2M$3.2M$3.2MUFA
F Mathieu PerreaultC/LW29$4.125M$4.125M$4.125M$4.125MUFA
F Marcus FolignoLW25RFA
F Sven BaertschiLW24$1.85MRFA
F Patrick MaroonLW28$1.5MUFA
F Tanner PearsonLW24RFA
F Joakim NordstromLW24$1.275MRFA
F Jesper FastRW/LW25RFA
F Tomas JurcoRW/LW24RFA
Defense
NameLH/RHAge17/1818/1919/2020/2121/22
D Paul MartinRHD35$4.85M$4.85MUFA
D Michael Del ZottoLHD26UFA
D Dmitry OrlovRHD25RFA
D Ryan EllisRHD26$2.5M$2.5MUFA
D Ian ColeRHD27$2.1MUFA
D Dalton ProutRHD26$1.575MUFA
D Brian CampbellLHD37UFA
D Andrej SustrRHD26RFA
D Martin MarincinLHD24$1.25MRFA
D Mark PysykRHD25RFA
D Mark BorowieckiLHD27$1.1MUFA
D Colin MillerRHD24$1MRFA
Goalies
NameAge17/1818/1919/2020/2121/22
G Semyon Varlamov28$5.9M$5.9MUFA
G Carter Hutton31$1.125MUFA
G Tom McCollum27$612.5KUFA

Projected Cap Hit: $52,845,833
Projected Cap Space: $20,154,167
Players Under Contract: 20

Vegas Golden Knights – Suraj Sukumar

Forwards
NamePosAge17/1818/1919/2020/2121/22
Joe ThorntonC37UFA
Patrick SharpLW/C35UFA
Alex KillornC/LW27$4.45$4.45$4.45$4.45$4.45
Tyler BozakC30$4.20UFA
Lee StempniakLW//RW33$2.50UFA
Blake ComeauLW/RW30$2.40UFA
Jimmy HayesRW27$2.30UFA
Riley SheahanC25$2.08RFA
Jason ZuckerLW/RW25$2.00RFA
Calle JarnkrokC25$2.00$2.00$2.00$2.00$2.00
Zack SmithC28$3.25$3.25$3.25$3.25UFA
Mark LetestuC/RW31$1.80UFA
Michael GrabnerRW29$1.65UFA
Devante Smith-PellyRW/LW24$1.30RFA
Colton SceviourC/RW27$950KUFA
Philip DanaultC23$912KRFA
Shane PrinceLW24$850KRFA
NIck CousinsC23RFA
Defense
LH/RHAge17/1818/1919/2020/2121/22
Josh GorgesLHD32$3.90UFA
Simon DespresLHD25$3.70$3.70$3.70$3.70UFA
Luca SbisaLHD27$3.60UFA
Carl GunnarssonLHD30$2.90$2.90UFA
Brayden McNabbLHD26$1.70UFA
Kevin ConnautonLHD26$1.00UFA
Alex PetrovicRHD24RFA
Ville PokkaRHD22RFA
Tyler WotherspoonLHD23RFA
Scott HarringtonLHD23RFA
Goalies
NameAge17/1818/1919/2020/2121/22
Marc-Andre Fleury32$5.75$5.75UFA
Philipp Grubauer25RFA
Michael Hutchinson26$1.15UFA

Projected Cap Hit: $55,387,500
Projected Cap Space: $17,612,500
Players Under Contract: 22

Next: Week 17 NHL Power Rankings

As mentioned in the first slide, we’re shifting to a double dose of mock drafts moving forward. That means we’ll be releasing two mock expansion roundtables per month. So make sure to keep tuned later in February for an updated version. Site expert Alyssa Naimoli will join the team next time around with four different opinions on June’s expansion draft.

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