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Vegas Golden Knights Expansion Draft Strategy: Metropolitan Division

By Trin Potratz

Jan 19, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers forward Michael Grabner (40) reacts after scoring a shorthanded goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third period at the Air Canada Centre. New York defeated Toronto 5-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers forward Michael Grabner (40) reacts after scoring a shorthanded goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third period at the Air Canada Centre. New York defeated Toronto 5-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 25, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson (7) passes the puck against the New York Islanders in the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson (7) passes the puck against the New York Islanders in the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

The Blue Jackets are in the midst of a franchise best season, and that has brought more attention to their organization. The Blue Jackets have a solid amount of offence that would be target if they wanted to keep four defensemen so they will go with a 7-3-1 format.

Up front, the Jackets need to protect Brandon Dubinsky, Nick Foligno, and Scott Hartnell due to their NMC’s. The remaining four spots are already spoken for with Brandon Saad, Cam Atkinson, Boone Jenner and Alexander Wennberg being protected. That forces the Jackets to expose Matt Calvert, William Karlsson, Josh Anderson and Sam Gagner in expansion.

On the blueline, the Jackets will definitely protect Seth Jones and David Savard but will need to decide between 2012 2nd overall pick Ryan Murray and veteran defenseman Jack Johnson. Murray may have had a tough start to his career but he’s a safer bet to stay with the club, exposing Jack Johnson.

Sergei Bobrovsky is set with his no movement clause and being a Vezina Trophy candidate. Young goaltender Joonas Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg will be exposed.

The Jackets may try to pursuade the Vegas Golden Knights from selecting Johnson by offering future considerations or a draft pick.

PROTECTED: Brandon Saad, Brandon Dubinsky, Nick Foligno, Scott Hartnell, Cam Atkinson, Boone Jenner, Alexander Wennberg, Seth Jones, David Savard, Ryan Murray, Sergei Bobrovsky

NOTABLE EXPOSED: Matt Calvert, William Karlsson, Josh Anderson, Daniel Zaar, Sam Gagner, Lukas Sedlak, Jack Johnson, Scott Harrington, Joonas Korpisalo, Anton Forsberg

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