OT: NHL Draft / Expansion Draft Thread

[MJG-90]

This is going to be an interesting couple of weeks for hockey fans. Who do your teams protect from the Kraken? Who do the Kraken steal from your roster? What do you hope happens for your team? All fans of all teams welcome in this thread. Keep it civilized as this is an offseason discussion. We can drop the gloves again once the puck drops in October.

 

[MJG-90]

Michigan D Owen Power is expected to go #1. Unfortunately, he is saying he plans to play one more year for the Wolverines before turning pro.

2024 Draft Prospect Rankings

2024 Draft Prospect Rankings

www.nhl.com

 

[MJG-90]

For Penguins fans, our team isn't drafting until the second round. Then not again until the fifth round. And then three picks in the seventh round. Not the ideal situation for a team with almost zero organizational depth and an aging core.

 

[TheGLOV]

Thank you.

 

[Connorpozlee]

It’ll be a really interesting couple of weeks across the whole league. My Islanders need to shed some salary to sign the restricted free agents while also adding some scoring. It sure it’s possible, but it’ll be intriguing to follow.

 

[MJG-90]

Expansion draft rules:

The Kraken must select one player from each team (except Vegas who is exempt).

Among their 30 picks must be 14 forwards, 9 defensemen and 3 goalies.

NHL teams can protect 7 forwards, 3 defensemen and 1 goalie. Or 8 total skaters and 1 goalie.

Players who just finished their first or second season as professionals do not need to be protected (Pens fans think John Marino and Pierre-Olivier Joseph).

Players with no movement clauses must be protected (don't ask me what happens if a team has too many players with no movement clauses).

There's a bunch of other rules, but the above gives you the gist of what will happen with your team. So speculate away. If you are the GM, who are you protecting?

 

[GreggK]

For Penguins fans, our team isn't drafting until the second round. Then not again until the fifth round. And then three picks in the seventh round. Not the ideal situation for a team with almost zero organizational depth and an aging core.

So glad Jim Rutherford is gone.

 

[MJG-90]

My prediction on who the Penguins will protect:

7 forwards:

Crosby and Malkin are automatic because both have no movement clauses in their contracts (and presumably neither would be asked to waive that clause without the Pens getting something large in return from Seattle). Jake Guentzel has to be protected and I'd imagine so does Bryan Rust since both are on the first line with Crosby and both are also on the top power play. I think the next two are Jared McCann and Kasperi Kapanen. Both are young, fast, productive two way players. No reason to let either exposed here.

That leaves one of Jason Zucker, Brandon Tanev, Jeff Carter, Teddy Blueger and Zach Aston-Reese. I don't think Zucker gets protected because he'd be a high cap hit for the Kraken. Zach Aston-Reese is probably the least valuable of this group, so probably not him. Carter's better days are behind him, so I don't see why he'd get protected. Between Tanev and Blueger -- I don't want to lose either -- I'd probably protect Tanev. He's just so productive all over the ice. It's a different team with him out there. So those are my choices.

3 defensemen:

Letang has a no movement clause so he's protected. I'm assuming Brian Dumoulin also will get protected. As previously stated, Marino and Olivier-Joseph don't have to be protected. So that's four guys already.

Of Mike Matheson, Cody Ceci and Marcus Pettersson, the Pens need to choose one. I think I'd choose Ceci and hope Seattle takes one of the other two and free up cap space (both Matheson and Pettersson have $4 million + cap hits).

Goalie:

Tristan Jarry. Like or not, he's not being left unprotected.

 

[PSU_Chicago]

the NHL this year is all about the Cap.

 

[RGWhirly]

the NHL this year is all about the Cap.

Ah come on. Teams can find ways around that. Just ask TB.

 

[PSU_Chicago]

Ah come on. Teams can find ways around that. Just ask TB.

Flyers definitely need to lose some big $$ salaries if they want to revamp the line up in any way. I am sure other teams feel the same

 

[Aardvark86]

Last night I attended an event featuring Caps PBP announcer Joe Beninati. First of all, he's a fabulous hard working guy, with a great sense of humor. Second, his best guess on the caps is that the Kraken will likely pick up a d-man from the caps roster that is not named Carlson, Orlov, or van Riemsdyk.

 

[kgilbert78]

Michigan D Owen Power is expected to go #1. Unfortunately, he is saying he plans to play one more year for the Wolverines before turning pro.

2024 Draft Prospect Rankings

2024 Draft Prospect Rankings

www.nhl.com

Perfect guy for the Kraken to draft then. Or any team not expecting to be good right away. They keep his rights until just after he graduates (NHL is different that way from other sports).

 

[MJG-90]

Perfect guy for the Kraken to draft then. Or any team not expecting to be good right away. They keep his rights until just after he graduates (NHL is different that way from other sports).

The Kraken have the number two pick. The Sabres are up first.

 

[kgilbert78]

I am wondering if Kivleneik's death will cause an issue for the Jackets. You have to expose a goalie with some NHL experience. Elvis is exempt, as he is under two years in the league. But the Jackets no longer have a keeper with experience, except Korpi.

 

[kgilbert78]

The Kraken have the number two pick. The Sabres are up first.

Ditto the Sabres then....

 

[MJG-90]

Ditto the Sabres then....

That franchise has been a mess. They don’t seem to have a long term vision. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them screw this up too.

 

[TheGLOV]

That franchise has been a mess. They don’t seem to have a long term vision. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them screw this up too.

2021 NHL Draft: Atlantic Division needs | NHL.com

Sabres could take Power at No. 1, Lightning expect to reinforce prospect pipeline

www.nhl.com

 

[TheGLOV]

2021 NHL Draft: Top 10 right wings | NHL.com

Guenther, Chibrikov, Coronato among best available at position

www.nhl.com

 

[MJG-90]

I am wondering if Kivleneik's death will cause an issue for the Jackets. You have to expose a goalie with some NHL experience. Elvis is exempt, as he is under two years in the league. But the Jackets no longer have a keeper with experience, except Korpi.

This is a great question. I tried to research for an answer, but haven't seen one. I wonder if, given the recency of the tragedy, the Blue Jackets might be left off the hook if there is an issue. Teams have been setting up their rosters for over a year with the expansion draft at least in the back of their minds. It's hardly fair to penalize a team that would have been in compliance except for a recent tragedy.

 

[MJG-90]

My prediction on who the Penguins will protect:

7 forwards:

Crosby and Malkin are automatic because both have no movement clauses in their contracts (and presumably neither would be asked to waive that clause without the Pens getting something large in return from Seattle). Jake Guentzel has to be protected and I'd imagine so does Bryan Rust since both are on the first line with Crosby and both are also on the top power play. I think the next two are Jared McCann and Kasperi Kapanen. Both are young, fast, productive two way players. No reason to let either exposed here.

That leaves one of Jason Zucker, Brandon Tanev, Jeff Carter, Teddy Blueger and Zach Aston-Reese. I don't think Zucker gets protected because he'd be a high cap hit for the Kraken. Zach Aston-Reese is probably the least valuable of this group, so probably not him. Carter's better days are behind him, so I don't see why he'd get protected. Between Tanev and Blueger -- I don't want to lose either -- I'd probably protect Tanev. He's just so productive all over the ice. It's a different team with him out there. So those are my choices.

3 defensemen:

Letang has a no movement clause so he's protected. I'm assuming Brian Dumoulin also will get protected. As previously stated, Marino and Olivier-Joseph don't have to be protected. So that's four guys already.

Of Mike Matheson, Cody Ceci and Marcus Pettersson, the Pens need to choose one. I think I'd choose Ceci and hope Seattle takes one of the other two and free up cap space (both Matheson and Pettersson have $4 million + cap hits).

Goalie:

Tristan Jarry. Like or not, he's not being left unprotected.

The Penguins traded McCann for a prospect (Filip Hallander) who they don’t need to protect. I’m bumping Teddy Blueger up to my protected list now.

 

[TheGLOV]

Penguins Acquire Filip Hallander and Draft Pick in Exchange for McCann | Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired forward Filip Hallander and a 2023 seventh-round draft pick from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Jared McCann, it was announced today by general manager Ron Hextall.

www.nhl.com

 

[TheGLOV]

Who will the Penguins protect in the expansion draft?

Pretty much, the only certainty about who the Pittsburgh Penguins will protect for Wednesday’s expansion draft is who they must protect. The “core.” Franchise staples Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin each have no-movement clauses in their contracts and, by the NHL’s rules, must be...

triblive.com

 

[TheGLOV]

2021 NHL Draft: Top 10 left wings | NHL.com

Eklund, Othmann, L'Heureux among best available at position

www.nhl.com

 

[MJG-90]

The Pens protected Carter instead of Tanev. Otherwise they had my list. I guess Carter makes sense since Malkin’s knee surgery will delay the start of his season. But sure hope the Kraken don’t grab Tanev.

 

[TheGLOV]

The Pens protected Carter instead of Tanev. Otherwise they had my list. I guess Carter makes sense since Malkin’s knee surgery will delay the start of his season. But sure hope the Kraken don’t grab Tanev.

https://media.nhl.com/public/news/15205?fbclid=IwAR1fsxsRSlwClH4E5QoyTjESEMnL8vGbl-p8vwfK5OCsmFF8T-HuTeGcsa4

 

[TheGLOV]

Maybe a draft-pick/ trade agreement will keep him a Pen.

 

[MJG-90]

Maybe a draft-pick/ trade agreement will keep him a Pen.

I hope not.

The Pens also protected Matheson instead of Ceci but that’s not a big deal. Ceci isn’t signed yet, so maybe they couldn’t protect him.

 

[TheGLOV]

I hope not.

The Pens also protected Matheson instead of Ceci but that’s not a big deal. Ceci isn’t signed yet, so maybe they couldn’t protect him.

It still burns me up to know that, after the Golden knights got the best deal possible for picking up players in the expansion draft EVER, they are now EXEMPT from this years rules via the Kraken!

Sucks for the fans.

Total BS.

No reasoning will ever get me to change my opinion on that.

 

[Player2BNamedL8r]

It still burns me up to know that, after the Golden knights got the best deal possible for picking up players in the expansion draft EVER, they are now EXEMPT from this years rules vial the Kraken!

Sucks for the fans.

Total BS.

No reasoning will ever get me to change my opinion on that.

I couldn’t agree more. They’re basically gift-wrapping contending rosters to the new franchises. I’m old-school enough to believe that new fan bases need to pay their dues.

Why the F shouldn’t Vegas have to expose anybody despite being an instant contender? How long did it take the Lightning to get good? Or Nashville? And what about Atlanta and Quebec and all the other failed franchises that didn’t make it?

 

[91Joe95]

It still burns me up to know that, after the Golden knights got the best deal possible for picking up players in the expansion draft EVER, they are now EXEMPT from this years rules vial the Kraken!

Sucks for the fans.

Total BS.

No reasoning will ever get me to change my opinion on that.

Vegas getting Fleury completely changed the direction of the franchise. No Fleury and this rant doesn't even cross your mind.

 

[MJG-90]

Not starting another thread for this, but feel it needs posted.

 

[MJG-90]

The Athletic unlocked their article on Luke.

'This is who I am': Predators prospect Luke Prokop comes out

Former pro player Brock McGillis says he "can’t wait to see what this kid does with that weight off his shoulders.’’

theathletic.com

 

[TheGLOV]

Vegas getting Fleury completely changed the direction of the franchise. No Fleury and this rant doesn't even cross your mind.

He's been dead to me for years now.

His sports psychiatrist and their goalie coach made it all possible for him.

 

[TheGLOV]

I couldn’t agree more. They’re basically gift-wrapping contending rosters to the new franchises. I’m old-school enough to believe that new fan bases need to pay their dues.

Why the F shouldn’t Vegas have to expose anybody despite being an instant contender? How long did it take the Lightning to get good? Or Nashville? And what about Atlanta and Quebec and all the other failed franchises that didn’t make it?

Yep! Exactly.

 

[MJG-90]

Some interesting names on this list:

(Our old friend Matt Murray makes the list.)

2021 NHL Expansion Draft: List of top players exposed to Kraken

The 2021 NHL Expansion Draft protection lists have officially been revealed, and the new Seattle Kraken franchise is going to have plenty of good players to select.

www.nbcsports.com

 

[Bessmoney]

I hope not.

The Pens also protected Matheson instead of Ceci but that’s not a big deal. Ceci isn’t signed yet, so maybe they couldn’t protect him.

I think the rationale behind protecting Matheson was if the Kraken take Matheson, you then have Petterrsen as your 2nd pair LHD with limited offensive upside, which they need with Malkin out of the lineup. Plus MM is the defacto #2 point man on the PP behind Letang.
In a perfect world Seattle takes Zucker and his $5.5M to be their Captain for the next 2 years, and then Hextall is able to unload MP for a 4th or 5th round pick. Assuming no salary retained, that saves them $9.5M of cap space, plus the $3M they saved on McCann, which likely goes to Rusty. So GMRH would be able to do a lot with $9.5M to upgrade goalie and/or add a top 6 scoring winger.

 

[91Joe95]

I think the rationale behind protecting Matheson was if the Kraken take Matheson, you then have Petterrsen as your 2nd pair LHD with limited offensive upside, which they need with Malkin out of the lineup. Plus MM is the defacto #2 point man on the PP behind Letang.
In a perfect world Seattle takes Zucker and his $5.5M to be their Captain for the next 2 years, and then Hextall is able to unload MP for a 4th or 5th round pick. Assuming no salary retained, that saves them $9.5M of cap space, plus the $3M they saved on McCann, which likely goes to Rusty. So GMRH would be able to do a lot with $9.5M to upgrade goalie and/or add a top 6 scoring winger.

I think it may also point to the new Pens management thinking PO Joseph isn't close to ready yet.

 

[MJG-90]

I think it may also point to the new Pens management thinking PO Joseph isn't close to ready yet.

Nah, I think it came down to a choice between Matheson and Pettersson. Both are around the same salary. Matheson has the higher upside. Ceci is a UFA so the Pens shouldn’t protect him anyway (see Ovechkin left unprotected).

 

[Bessmoney]

I think it may also point to the new Pens management thinking PO Joseph isn't close to ready yet.

Oh no he’s definitely ready. He looked a bit exposed playing on the top pair with Letang (which was to be expected). When he was in the bottom 4 he was very solid. He would be a huge upgrade over MP at 1/4 the price and way more offensive upside. They are both 180 lbs soaking wet, so same level of physicality. I think POJ is a much better skater and better mover than MP, which the Pens covet. He and Ceci would be a dynamite 3rd pair if the Pens bring Ceci back.