All posts by Josh Wegman, John Matisz

NHL trade deadline primer: Strategies for all Eastern Conference teams

Ahead of the 2019 NHL trade deadline, we examine where each Eastern Conference team stands and what strategies they should employ heading into Feb. 25.

Atlantic Division

Boston Bruins

A first-round matchup against the Maple Leafs seems inevitable for the Bruins, and though they've had Toronto's number before, the Leafs are much deeper than in years past. Boston's top line scares every opponent but its bottom nine pales in comparison to Toronto's.

The Bruins need to be aggressive in pursuing one of the top available wingers such as Artemi Panarin or potentially Mark Stone. If general manager Don Sweeney strikes out on the big fish, he should acquire a cheaper rental such as Gustav Nyquist, Wayne Simmonds, or Mats Zuccarello. The Bruins need to add a top-six forward, especially with David Pastrnak sidelined.

Verdict: Buyer

Buffalo Sabres

Rob Marczynski / National Hockey League / Getty

November notwithstanding, the Sabres have failed to make the necessary strides to enter this season's playoff conversation and therefore shouldn't be looking to improve through rentals.

But Buffalo also shouldn't be looking to sell. Jeff Skinner is the team's only key pending unrestricted free agent and general manager Jason Botterill should do everything he can to sign the sniper to a long-term extension. Recent reports suggest the front office is trying. Unless there's a player available who can help Buffalo beyond this season, the club should wait until the offseason to address its many needs.

Verdict: Hold

Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings already hold eight picks in the first five rounds of the 2019 draft and could add more before the trade deadline. Gustav Nyquist and goaltender Jimmy Howard are Detroit's two biggest pending unrestricted free agents and both could garner a nice return, especially if a market develops for Howard. Thomas Vanek, Niklas Kronwall, and Nick Jensen don't have the same appeal, but they could also generate some interest as soon-to-be free agents.

Detroit is clearly rebuilding and needs to acquire the best future assets possible in exchange for expiring contracts.

Verdict: Seller

Florida Panthers

Patrick McDermott / National Hockey League / Getty

Many expected the Panthers to be a playoff team this season, but they're well out of the postseason mix leading up to the deadline. Florida's core should stay intact through Feb. 25, but the roster features several pending unrestricted free agents including Jamie McGinn, Derick Brassard, and Riley Sheahan. Brassard and Sheahan only recently joined the Panthers following a trade from the Penguins. All three should be moved to acquire cap space and trade assets the team can use to improve this summer.

Verdict: Seller

Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens are one of the NHL's most surprising teams this year. Preseason prognosticators pegged them as a potential lottery team; instead, they're primed for a playoff appearance.

Still, Montreal shouldn't be looking to deal from its revamped farm system in exchange for rentals. If there's a player with term available, it's worth exploring a trade. But going all-in during a season that should already be considered a success doesn't seem worth it, especially considering the Canadiens could meet Tampa Bay in the first round.

Verdict: Hold

Ottawa Senators

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

The Senators' plan to trade Matt Duchene while they attempt to sign Mark Stone is the right move. Stone is captain material and only 26 years old. Given that he's never relied on speed for success, he should age better than most on a potential eight-year deal.

If Stone and the Sens can't reach an agreement soon, however, the team needs to trade him as well. The same goes for the pending unrestricted free agent flying under the radar in Ottawa: Ryan Dzingel.

Trading Duchene, Stone, and Dzingel would mean even more short-term pain in the nation's capital, but the club can't afford to lose them for nothing come July 1.

Verdict: Seller

Tampa Bay Lightning

Is it even possible for the Lightning to make their team better? One wouldn't think so, given their 44-11-4 record. But the Bolts are in a prime position to acquire one of the top available rentals.

With Brayden Point poised to command a hefty cap hit this summer, the Lightning are going to be in cap trouble. Tampa Bay could alleviate this by including one of its long-term contracts, such as J.T. Miller's, in a trade for a game-breaking talent like Artemi Panarin, Matt Duchene, or Mark Stone.

This is clearly Tampa Bay's year, and acquiring an elite rental player while shedding a long-term contract in the process would kill two birds with one stone.

Verdict: Buyer

Toronto Maple Leafs

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

The Maple Leafs already gave up their 2019 first-rounder for Jake Muzzin and reportedly won't part with future firsts or their top two defense prospects for a rental.

Toronto could still stand to improve its blue line, specifically on the right side. But that would likely mean moving out Nikita Zaitsev's contract, which may be tough to do midseason. Adding a depth forward who can provide a physical presence may be the Leafs' most realistic way of improving before the deadline.

Verdict: Buyer

Metropolitan Division

Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes a complete wild card. One day they're reportedly selling, the next they're reportedly buying, and the third they're reportedly OK with the status quo.

The most common players in the rumor mill are Micheal Ferland (pending UFA), Dougie Hamilton (seemingly always available, no matter who he plays for), and Brett Pesce (of great interest to the Maple Leafs, potentially).

Even if Carolina doesn't sell big, Ferland appears the most likely trade candidate. The 26-year-old winger has 16 goals and 33 points in 50 games and seems destined to test the open market this coming summer, though nothing is set in stone.

It seems there are more questions than answers for Carolina in the lead-up to deadline day.

Verdict: ?

Columbus Blue Jackets

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

Like the Senators in the Atlantic, the Blue Jackets are ground zero for trade activity in the Metro.

With the futures of star forward Artemi Panarin and franchise goalie Sergei Bobrovsky dominating headlines all season, one might label Columbus a seller and call it a day. But the club could turn around and land another impact forward like Matt Duchene or a second-tier player like Marcus Johansson to soften the potential blow of losing one or both of its stars.

Reports suggest GM Jarmo Kekalainen is motivated to both sell and buy. Panarin and Bobrovsky are forcing his hand, but the Blue Jackets are a good hockey team and their fan base needs postseason success.

Verdict: Seller and Buyer

New Jersey Devils

General manager Ray Shero got the party started earlier this month, flipping Brian Boyle and his expiring contract to Nashville for a 2019 second-round pick.

Next up might be Marcus Johansson, the playmaking forward who's run into injury after injury since being acquired from the Washington Capitals in the summer of 2017. Blue-liner Ben Lovejoy and winger Drew Stafford are also worthy of consideration - albeit from a depth perspective. Both are rentals.

Don't be surprised if the Devils' eight draft selections in 2019 balloon to 10 or more by next week.

Verdict: Seller

New York Islanders

Dave Sandford / National Hockey League / Getty

The John Tavares-less Islanders are slam-dunk buyers. Who woulda thunk it?

With nearly $10 million in cap space and the division lead, GM Lou Lamoriello has wiggle room galore as he looks to capitalize on the club's tremendous first season under head coach Barry Trotz.

New York could use an upgrade on its center depth behind Mathew Barzal. Perhaps Matt Duchene fits the bill? Or, if the Islanders truly believe in themselves, why not take a run at Artemi Panarin, who's counting the days to free agency and is reportedly drawn to metropolitan cities?

The Isles have their first-round pick for this year and beyond at their disposal. All eyes on Lou.

Verdict: Buyer

New York Rangers

It's been more than a year since the Rangers promised their fans a rebuild. Although there's been some movement - last deadline's Ryan McDonagh trade with Tampa is looking like a win-win for both clubs - assets like Mats Zuccarello, Kevin Hayes, Chris Kreider, and Vladislav Namestnikov remain on the roster.

Zuccarello and Hayes are both pending UFAs and should fetch decent returns, while Kreider and Namestnikov have less predictable futures given the extra year on each of their contracts. Three or four of these players could soon be packing their bags. Blue-liner Adam McQuaid is also on an expiring contract.

Verdict: Seller

Philadelphia Flyers

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

Barring the unforeseen, these are the final days of Wayne Simmonds' tenure with the Flyers. Several contenders - including the Jets, Lightning, Bruins, and Predators - are believed to be interested in the winger's services, according to TSN's Frank Seravalli.

Chuck Fletcher's goalie-for-goalie trade (Cam Talbot in, Anthony Stolarz out) got the juices flowing. How deep does he cut ahead of his first deadline as Philadelphia's general manager?

The smart money's on Philly waiting until the offseason to assess the team's core, but you never know. The Flyers are volatile.

Verdict: Seller

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins already completed six in-season trades, reeling in the likes of Nick Bjugstad, Tanner Pearson, and Jared McCann up front, as well as Marcus Pettersson on the back end.

Pittsburgh is playing with fire, alternating between losing skids and winning streaks in 2019, but it's hard to envision GM Jim Rutherford sitting on his hands here. He just doesn't seem to be wired that way, especially since Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin aren't getting any younger.

In terms of player-specific scuttlebutt, Larry Brooks of the New York Post expects Pittsburgh to show interest in Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello.

Verdict: Buyer

Washington Capitals

Rob Carr / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Capitals definitely aren't selling, unless you include their rumored desire to move on from Andre Burakovsky. They lack the cap space to chase a marquee name, but that doesn't mean general manager Brian MacLellan won't attempt to improve around the edges. He's supposedly ready and willing to upgrade his middle-six forward group.

If Washington happens to hold and not make a trade before the deadline, it wouldn't be a huge surprise. Consider them bargain-bin buyers.

Verdict: Buyer

Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle mock expansion draft: The full roster

This week, theScore's unveiling a five-part series in which we predict who will be protected and picked when the new Seattle franchise selects one player from every other NHL team except Vegas in 2021.

Others in the series: Atlantic | Metropolitan | Central | Pacific |

Let’s get something out of the way off the hop: The Seattle mock expansion draft series has been an exercise dominated by projections.

We don't have all the answers relating to an event that will take place in June 2021. The protected lists and picks we've posted over the past few days and the mock lineup below are educated guesses, not absolute certainties.

Even NHL Seattle senior advisor Dave Tippett - a man who will have his fingerprints all over the actual expansion draft process - is guessing at this point in time, a good 30 months out.

All of that being said, this week we attempted to:

  • Fairly assess not only the trajectory of the 30 NHL clubs faced with filing protected lists in 2021 but also their salary cap situation in the short, medium, and long term

  • Make rational decisions on pending free agents for 2019 and 2020, factoring in each player’s relationship with his current club and perceived motivation to hit the open market

  • Avoid any hypothetical trade or buyout scenarios

The end result? A 30-man roster for the Seattle Whatevers. Enjoy.

Depth chart

Forwards

LW C RW
Kevin Fiala Tyler Johnson TJ Oshie
Ryan Dzingel Vladislav Namestnikov Jakob Silfverberg
Miles Wood Denis Malgin Tyler Toffoli
Nikolay Goldobin Ivan Barbashev Connor Brown
Jason Dickinson Antti Suomela Dominik Kahun
Vladislav Kamenev Jujhar Khaira

Defensemen

LD RD
TJ Brodie Josh Manson
Sami Niku Chris Tanev
Jake Bean Jared Spurgeon
Matt Grzelcyk Philippe Myers
Victor Mete Vili Saarijarvi

Goalies

G
Jonathan Quick
Casey DeSmith
Adin Hill

Roster takeaways

A few thoughts on the projected depth chart:

  • Plenty of modern blue-liners at Seattle's disposal. A top six of TJ Brodie, Josh Manson, Sami Niku, Chris Tanev, Jake Bean, and Jared Spurgeon looks silly-good on paper, especially when you consider the development period between now and the start of the 2021-22 season.
  • Right wing is another strength. Barring major drop-offs in production, TJ Oshie, Jakob Silfverberg, and Tyler Toffoli could form a legitimate one-two-three punch. And Connor Brown, who will be 27, slides in nicely in the four-spot.
  • As for weaknesses, the center position lacks both a star and depth, and goaltending is very much up in the air. None of the six pivots seem fit for first-line duty, while Jonathan Quick's age may deem him largely irrelevant. Also of note: Casey DeSmith and Adin Hill are still vastly unproven at this point, so nothing is a sure thing.
  • Overall, as with most expansion rosters, this group lacks offensive catalysts. Who is grabbing the bull by the horns up front? Who is the go-to playmaker? A guy like Kevin Fiala, for instance, is probably more of a complementary piece than a line driver. Seattle, like Vegas last year, would be scoring by committee in the early going of its inaugural season.

Seattle mock expansion draft series:
Atlantic | Metropolitan | Central | Pacific | Full Seattle Roster

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle mock expansion draft: Pacific Division’s protection lists, picks

This week, theScore's unveiling a five-part series in which we predict who will be protected and picked when the new Seattle franchise selects one player from every other NHL team except Vegas in 2021. Today, we project the Pacific Division.

Others in the series: Atlantic | Metropolitan | Central | Full Seattle Roster

Before diving into our Pacific Division projections, here's a refresher on the expansion draft process:

  • Teams must submit a protected-players list of either seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goalie OR eight skaters and one goalie
  • All players with no-movement clauses must be protected

  • All first- and second-year players, as well as unsigned draft picks, are exempt and can't be picked

  • Any player with a career-ending injury is also exempt

And some notes about our process:

  • We assumed most 2019 and '20 restricted free agents will re-sign with their current club
  • We made judgment calls on 2019 and '20 unrestricted free agents, projecting some will stay with their current team and others will leave

  • We didn't factor in any trades or buyouts between now and June 2021

  • In the tables below, * indicates the player is a projected free-agent signing before 2021, while bold text indicates the player has a no-movement clause

Anaheim Ducks

Pos. Protected players
F Ryan Getzlaf
F Ryan Kesler
F Adam Henrique
F Rickard Rakell
F Ondrej Kase
F Nick Ritchie
F Sam Steel
D Hampus Lindholm
D Cam Fowler
D Brandon Montour
G John Gibson

Pick: Josh Manson (D)
Other considerations: Pontus Aberg (F), Max Comtois (F), Corey Perry (F, UFA 2021)

The Ducks could find themselves in a pickle if they don't move a defenseman before the expansion draft. They could protect Lindholm, Fowler, Montour, and Manson, but that would limit themselves to protecting four forwards and they'd almost certainly lose either Kase or Steel. Needing offense, we project the Ducks would bite the bullet and go with seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goalie. This will expose Manson, handing Seattle a tough, shutdown rearguard.

Calgary Flames

Derek Leung / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Pos. Protected players
F Johnny Gaudreau
F Sean Monahan
F Matthew Tkachuk
F Elias Lindholm
F Sam Bennett
F Mikael Backlund
F Dillon Dube
D Noah Hanifin
D Rasmus Andersson
D Juuso Valimaki
G David Rittich

Pick: TJ Brodie (D)
Other considerations: Mark Giordano (D), James Neal (F), Oliver Kylington (D), Mark Jankowski (F)

Could Neal be taken in consecutive expansion drafts? It's a possibility, but we don't think it will happen, considering the availability of both Brodie and Giordano. Even though we believe Calgary will re-sign Brodie - and let Travis Hamonic walk - in 2020, he's the pick here. At 31, he'll be seven years younger than Giordano for Seattle's first season.

Edmonton Oilers

Pos. Protected players
F Connor McDavid
F Leon Draisaitl
F Milan Lucic
F Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
F Kailer Yamamoto
F Jesse Puljujarvi
F Tyler Benson
D Oscar Klefbom
D Darnell Nurse
D Adam Larsson
G Thomas Greiss*

Pick: Jujhar Khaira (F)
Other considerations: Matt Benning (D), Ty Rattie (F), Valentin Zykov (F), Mikko Koskinen (G)

The Oilers don't have the cap flexibility to make significant free-agent additions over the next few years, but we do have them signing Greiss to replace Cam Talbot in goal. With little to choose from, it seems plausible Seattle would pluck Khaira, a versatile forward with size, strength, and underrated skill.

Los Angeles Kings

Adam Pantozzi / National Hockey League / Getty
Pos. Protected players
F Anze Kopitar
F Jeff Carter
F Adrian Kempe
F Alex Iafallo
F Craig Smith*
F Sheldon Rempal
F Matt Luff
D Drew Doughty
D Travis Hamonic*
D Cale Klague
G Cal Petersen

Pick: Jonathan Quick (G)
Other considerations: Dustin Brown (F), Nikita Scherbak (F), Derek Forbort (D), Sean Walker (D)

We're projecting the Kings will sign Smith and Hamonic in free agency to replace Tyler Toffoli and Jake Muzzin. In a youth movement, we expect the Kings will leave franchise legends Brown and Quick exposed. Although Walker - a puck-moving defenseman who's posted gaudy numbers in the AHL - is enticing, we think Seattle will start its existence with Quick, a former Conn Smythe winner, between the pipes.

San Jose Sharks

Pos. Protected players
F Logan Couture
F Evander Kane
F Joe Pavelski
F Tomas Hertl
F Timo Meier
F Joonas Donskoi
F Kevin Labanc
D Brent Burns
D Erik Karlsson
D Marc-Edouard Vlasic
G Martin Jones

Pick: Antti Suomela (F)
Other considerations: Marcus Sorensen (F), Joakim Ryan (D)

We don't believe the Sharks' roster will look a whole lot different three years from now, with a number of pending free agents signing up for more time in the Bay Area - most notably Karlsson and Pavelski. Although this leaves Seattle with few enticing options, Suomela would provide the first-year club with some much-needed depth down the middle.

Vancouver Canucks

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Pos. Protected players
F Elias Pettersson
F Bo Horvat
F Brock Boeser
F Wayne Simmonds*
F Jake Virtanen
F Jonathan Dahlen
F Adam Gaudette
D Justin Faulk*
D Olli Juolevi
D Quinn Hughes
G Thatcher Demko

Pick: Nikolay Goldobin (F)
Other considerations: Sven Baertschi (F), Ben Hutton (D), Troy Stecher (D)

As the Canucks shift from a rebuilding team to a contending squad, we envision them signing Simmonds this summer and Faulk in 2020. Seattle would likely take a long look at Hutton, who's having a strong season, but ultimately wind up selecting Goldobin, who's oozing with potential.

Seattle mock expansion draft series:
Atlantic | Metropolitan | Central | Pacific | Full Seattle Roster

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle mock expansion draft: Central Division’s protection lists, picks

This week, theScore's unveiling a five-part series in which we predict who will be protected and picked when the new Seattle franchise selects one player from every other NHL team except Vegas in 2021. Today, we project the Central Division.

Others in the series: Atlantic | Metropolitan | Pacific | Full Seattle Roster

Before diving into our Central Division projections, here's a refresher on the expansion draft process:

  • Teams must submit a protected-players list of either seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goalie OR eight skaters and one goalie
  • All players with no-movement clauses must be protected

  • All first- and second-year players, as well as unsigned draft picks, are exempt and can't be picked

  • Any player with a career-ending injury is also exempt

And some notes about our process:

  • We assumed most 2019 and '20 restricted free agents will re-sign with their current club
  • We made judgment calls on 2019 and '20 unrestricted free agents, projecting some will stay with their current team and others will leave

  • We didn't factor in any trades or buyouts between now and June 2021

  • In the tables below, * indicates the player is a projected free-agent signing before 2021, while bold text indicates the player has a no-movement clause

Arizona Coyotes

Pos. Protected players
F Jordan Eberle*
F Alex Galchenyuk
F Clayton Keller
F Christian Dvorak
F Nick Schmaltz
F Christian Fischer
F Vinnie Hinostroza
D Oliver Ekman-Larsson
D Jakob Chychrun
D Kyle Copobianco
G Antti Raanta

Pick: Adin Hill (G)
Other considerations: Lawson Crouse (F), Derek Stepan (F, UFA 2021), Michael Grabner (F, UFA 2021), Jason Demers (D, UFA 2021), Alex Goligoski (D, UFA 2021)

We envision the goal-starved Coyotes - who will move to the Central Division upon Seattle's arrival - landing a consistent offensive producer in free agency, such as Eberle. Crouse, a hulking power forward and former No. 11 overall pick, could be a tempting expansion pick, but we have Seattle selecting its potential goalie of the future in Hill. Arizona could leave Ranta unprotected if he continues to be hampered by injuries, but it's still too early to say.

Chicago Blackhawks

Bill Smith / National Hockey League / Getty
Pos. Protected players
F Patrick Kane
F Jonathan Toews
F Alex DeBrincat
F Brendan Perlini
F Dylan Strome
F Brandon Saad
F Dylan Sikura
D Duncan Keith
D Brent Seabrook
D Henri Jokiharju
G Colin Delia

Pick: Dominik Kahun (F)
Other considerations: Michael Frolik* (F), Alexandre Fortin (F), John Hayden (F), Gustav Forsling (D), Anton Forsberg (G), Corey Crawford (G)

There are a variety of choices here for Seattle, including Frolik, the versatile two-way winger who we believe returns to the Blackhawks in free agency. Seattle could add a goalie - such as a re-signed Crawford - but the smart bet is on it picking Kahun, the 23-year-old shifty forward who was arguably the best player on Germany's silver medal-winning squad at the 2018 Olympics.

Colorado Avalanche

Pos. Protected players
F Nathan MacKinnon
F Gabriel Landeskog
F Mikko Rantanen
F Tyson Jost
F Alex Kerfoot
F J.T. Compher 
F Chris Kreider*
D Erik Johnson
D Tyson Barrie
D Samuel Girard
G Philipp Grubauer

Pick: Vladislav Kamenev (F)
Other considerations: Jason Spezza* (F) Nikita Zadorov (D), Conor Timmins (D), Cam Talbot* (G)

With plenty of cap space and a lack of scoring depth, we see the Avalanche filling this need by signing Spezza in 2019 and Kreider in 2020. We also project they will add Talbot after Semyon Varlamov departs in 2019. Under these circumstances, Seattle could consider Timmins, though there's a ton uncertainty swirling around the 2017 second-rounder, as he's missed this entire season with a head injury and has yet to play a professional game. Instead, we see Seattle taking Kamenev, a lesser-known key piece in the Matt Duchene-Kyle Turris three-way trade.

Dallas Stars

David Becker / National Hockey League / Getty
Pos. Protected players
F Tyler Seguin
F Jamie Benn
F Alexander Radulov
F Matt Duchene*
F Radek Faksa
F Denis Gurianov
F Devin Shore
D John Klingberg
D Miro Heiskanen
D Esa Lindell
G Ben Bishop

Pick: Jason Dickinson (F)
Other considerations: Valeri Nichushkin (F), Mattias Janmark (F), Julius Honka (D)

We project the Stars to land Duchene - 2019's biggest free agent - for a variety of reasons. They have both the cap space and need for a second-line center, have a win-now mentality, and are able to offer warm weather and Texas' low state-tax rate. In turn, Seattle selects the hard-working Dickson instead of underachievers Nichushkin and Honka.

Minnesota Wild

Pos. Protected players
F Zach Parise
F Mikael Granlund
F Jason Zucker
F Nino Niederreiter
F Joel Eriksson Ek
F Jordan Greenway
F Luke Kunin
D Ryan Suter
D Matt Dumba
D Jonas Brodin
G Kaapo Kahkonen

Pick: Jared Spurgeon (D)
Other considerations: Eric Staal (F), Nick Seeler (D), Devan Dubnyk (G, UFA 2021)

The Wild went to great lengths to keep their top four defensemen intact during the 2017 expansion draft, but it cost them Alex Tuch and Erik Haula - two valuable pieces for the Vegas Golden Knights. This time around, we see them learning their lesson. Still, Seattle scoops up Spurgeon, an effective two-way blue-liner who could potentially serve as a nice trade chip. Staal and Dubnyk will be too old for Seattle's liking.

Nashville Predators

Frederick Breedon / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Pos. Protected players
F FIlip Forsberg
F Ryan Johansen
F Viktor Arvidsson
F Eeli Tolvanen
D P.K. Subban
D Roman Josi
D Ryan Ellis
D Mattias Ekholm
G Juuse Saros

Pick: Kevin Fiala (F)
Other considerations: Kyle Turris (F), Calle Jarnkrok (F), Ryan Hartman (F), Pekka Rinne (G, UFA 2021)

Despite the lack of centers available, we think Seattle passes on Turris, who will be 32 in 2021-22, instead choosing Fiala, a promising winger who will be just 25 years old for Seattle's inaugural season. The Predators could go with the more popular 7-3-1 format, but then they'd almost certainly lose one of their elite defensemen. Subban, Ellis, and Ekholm are all locked up, and we envision Josi re-signing in 2020.

St. Louis Blues

Pos. Protected players
F Vladimir Tarasenko
F Ryan O'Reilly
F Brayden Schenn
F Jaden Schwartz
F Robert Thomas
F Jordan Kyrou
F Robby Fabbri
D Alex Pietrangelo
D Colton Parayko
D Vince Dunn
G Jake Allen

Pick: Ivan Barbashev (F)
Other considerations: Zach Sanford (F), David Perron (F), Joel Edmundson (D)

We predict new contracts for Schenn (2020 UFA), Schwartz (2021), and Allen (2021), which leads to the next question: could Perron be the first player ever to be plucked by two different expansion teams - and from the same team? We don't think so, as Seattle will look to fill a need by selecting Barbashev, a young two-way center who hasn't quite yet hit his stride.

Winnipeg Jets

Jonathan Kozub / National Hockey League / Getty
Pos. Protected players
F Mark Scheifele
F Blake Wheeler
F Patrik Laine
F Nikolaj Ehlers
F Bryan Little
F Kyle Connor
F Jack Roslovic
D Dustin Byfuglien
D Jacob Trouba
D Josh Morrissey
G Connor Hellebuyck

Pick: Sami Niku (D)
Other considerations: Logan Stanley (D), Nic Petan (F)

We project the Jets will remain contenders three years from now, but they will need the heart and soul of their team, Byfuglien, to make a run at the cup. This leaves two promising blue-liners - Niku and Stanley - exposed. Stanley, a 6-foot-7 former first-rounder, is far less proven than Niku, who was named AHL defenseman of the year last season.

Seattle mock expansion draft series:
Atlantic | Metropolitan | Central | Pacific | Full Seattle Roster

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle mock expansion draft: Central Division’s protection lists, picks

This week, theScore's unveiling a five-part series in which we predict who will be protected and picked when the new Seattle franchise selects one player from every other NHL team except Vegas in 2021. Today, we project the Central Division.

Others in the series: Atlantic | Metropolitan | Pacific (Friday) | Full Seattle Roster (Friday)

Before diving into our Central Division projections, here's a refresher on the expansion draft process:

  • Teams must submit a protected-players list of either seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goalie OR eight skaters and one goalie
  • All players with no-movement clauses must be protected

  • All first- and second-year players, as well as unsigned draft picks, are exempt and can't be picked

  • Any player with a career-ending injury is also exempt

And some notes about our process:

  • We assumed most 2019 and '20 restricted free agents will re-sign with their current club
  • We made judgment calls on 2019 and '20 unrestricted free agents, projecting some will stay with their current team and others will leave

  • We didn't factor in any trades or buyouts between now and June 2021

  • In the tables below, * indicates the player is a projected free-agent signing before 2021, while bold text indicates the player has a no-movement clause

Arizona Coyotes

Pos. Protected players
F Jordan Eberle*
F Alex Galchenyuk
F Clayton Keller
F Christian Dvorak
F Nick Schmaltz
F Christian Fischer
F Vinnie Hinostroza
D Oliver Ekman-Larsson
D Jakob Chychrun
D Kyle Copobianco
G Antti Raanta

Pick: Adin Hill (G)
Other considerations: Lawson Crouse (F), Derek Stepan (F, UFA 2021), Michael Grabner (F, UFA 2021), Jason Demers (D, UFA 2021), Alex Goligoski (D, UFA 2021)

We envision the goal-starved Coyotes - who will move to the Central Division upon Seattle's arrival - landing a consistent offensive producer in free agency, such as Eberle. Crouse, a hulking power forward and former No. 11 overall pick, could be a tempting expansion pick, but we have Seattle selecting its potential goalie of the future in Hill. Arizona could leave Ranta unprotected if he continues to be hampered by injuries, but it's still too early to say.

Chicago Blackhawks

Bill Smith / National Hockey League / Getty
Pos. Protected players
F Patrick Kane
F Jonathan Toews
F Alex DeBrincat
F Brendan Perlini
F Dylan Strome
F Brandon Saad
F Dylan Sikura
D Duncan Keith
D Brent Seabrook
D Henri Jokiharju
G Colin Delia

Pick: Dominik Kahun (F)
Other considerations: Michael Frolik* (F), Alexandre Fortin (F), John Hayden (F), Gustav Forsling (D), Anton Forsberg (G), Corey Crawford (G)

There are a variety of choices here for Seattle, including Frolik, the versatile two-way winger who we believe returns to the Blackhawks in free agency. Seattle could add a goalie - such as a re-signed Crawford - but the smart bet is on it picking Kahun, the 23-year-old shifty forward who was arguably the best player on Germany's silver medal-winning squad at the 2018 Olympics.

Colorado Avalanche

Pos. Protected players
F Nathan MacKinnon
F Gabriel Landeskog
F Mikko Rantanen
F Tyson Jost
F Alex Kerfoot
F J.T. Compher 
F Chris Kreider*
D Erik Johnson
D Tyson Barrie
D Samuel Girard
G Philipp Grubauer

Pick: Vladislav Kamenev (F)
Other considerations: Jason Spezza* (F) Nikita Zadorov (D), Conor Timmins (D), Cam Talbot* (G)

With plenty of cap space and a lack of scoring depth, we see the Avalanche filling this need by signing Spezza in 2019 and Kreider in 2020. We also project they will add Talbot after Semyon Varlamov departs in 2019. Under these circumstances, Seattle could consider Timmins, though there's a ton uncertainty swirling around the 2017 second-rounder, as he's missed this entire season with a head injury and has yet to play a professional game. Instead, we see Seattle taking Kamenev, a lesser-known key piece in the Matt Duchene-Kyle Turris three-way trade.

Dallas Stars

David Becker / National Hockey League / Getty
Pos. Protected players
F Tyler Seguin
F Jamie Benn
F Alexander Radulov
F Matt Duchene*
F Radek Faksa
F Denis Gurianov
F Devin Shore
D John Klingberg
D Miro Heiskanen
D Esa Lindell
G Ben Bishop

Pick: Jason Dickinson (F)
Other considerations: Valeri Nichushkin (F), Mattias Janmark (F), Julius Honka (D)

We project the Stars to land Duchene - 2019's biggest free agent - for a variety of reasons. They have both the cap space and need for a second-line center, have a win-now mentality, and are able to offer warm weather and Texas' low state-tax rate. In turn, Seattle selects the hard-working Dickson instead of underachievers Nichushkin and Honka.

Minnesota Wild

Pos. Protected players
F Zach Parise
F Mikael Granlund
F Jason Zucker
F Nino Niederreiter
F Joel Eriksson Ek
F Jordan Greenway
F Luke Kunin
D Ryan Suter
D Matt Dumba
D Jonas Brodin
G Kaapo Kahkonen

Pick: Jared Spurgeon (D)
Other considerations: Eric Staal (F), Nick Seeler (D), Devan Dubnyk (G, UFA 2021)

The Wild went to great lengths to keep their top four defensemen intact during the 2017 expansion draft, but it cost them Alex Tuch and Erik Haula - two valuable pieces for the Vegas Golden Knights. This time around, we see them learning their lesson. Still, Seattle scoops up Spurgeon, an effective two-way blue-liner who could potentially serve as a nice trade chip. Staal and Dubnyk will be too old for Seattle's liking.

Nashville Predators

Frederick Breedon / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Pos. Protected players
F FIlip Forsberg
F Ryan Johansen
F Viktor Arvidsson
F Eeli Tolvanen
D P.K. Subban
D Roman Josi
D Ryan Ellis
D Mattias Ekholm
G Juuse Saros

Pick: Kevin Fiala (F)
Other considerations: Kyle Turris (F), Calle Jarnkrok (F), Ryan Hartman (F), Pekka Rinne (G, UFA 2021)

Despite the lack of centers available, we think Seattle passes on Turris, who will be 32 in 2021-22, instead choosing Fiala, a promising winger who will be just 25 years old for Seattle's inaugural season. The Predators could go with the more popular 7-3-1 format, but then they'd almost certainly lose one of their elite defensemen. Subban, Ellis, and Ekholm are all locked up, and we envision Josi re-signing in 2020.

St. Louis Blues

Pos. Protected players
F Vladimir Tarasenko
F Ryan O'Reilly
F Brayden Schenn
F Jaden Schwartz
F Robert Thomas
F Jordan Kyrou
F Robby Fabbri
D Alex Pietrangelo
D Colton Parayko
D Vince Dunn
G Jake Allen

Pick: Ivan Barbashev (F)
Other considerations: Zach Sanford (F), David Perron (F), Joel Edmundson (D)

We predict new contracts for Schenn (2020 UFA), Schwartz (2021), and Allen (2021), which leads to the next question: could Perron be the first player ever to be plucked by two different expansion teams - and from the same team? We don't think so, as Seattle will look to fill a need by selecting Barbashev, a young two-way center who hasn't quite yet hit his stride.

Winnipeg Jets

Jonathan Kozub / National Hockey League / Getty
Pos. Protected players
F Mark Scheifele
F Blake Wheeler
F Patrik Laine
F Nikolaj Ehlers
F Bryan Little
F Kyle Connor
F Jack Roslovic
D Dustin Byfuglien
D Jacob Trouba
D Josh Morrissey
G Connor Hellebuyck

Pick: Sami Niku (D)
Other considerations: Logan Stanley (D), Nic Petan (F)

We project the Jets will remain contenders three years from now, but they will need the heart and soul of their team, Byfuglien, to make a run at the cup. This leaves two promising blue-liners - Niku and Stanley - exposed. Stanley, a 6-foot-7 former first-rounder, is far less proven than Niku, who was named AHL defenseman of the year last season.

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle mock expansion draft: Metro Division’s protection lists, picks

This week, theScore's unveiling a five-part series in which we predict who will be protected and picked when the new Seattle franchise selects one player from every other NHL team except Vegas in 2021. Today, we project the Metropolitan Division.

Others in the series: Atlantic | Central | Pacific | Full Seattle Roster

Before diving into our Metropolitan Division projections, here's a refresher on the expansion draft process:

  • Teams must submit a protected-players list of either seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goalie OR eight skaters and one goalie
  • All players with no-movement clauses must be protected

  • All first- and second-year players, as well as unsigned draft picks, are exempt and can't be picked

  • Any player with a career-ending injury is also exempt

And some notes about our process:

  • We assumed most 2019 and '20 restricted free agents will re-sign with their current club
  • We made judgment calls on 2019 and '20 unrestricted free agents, projecting some will stay with their current team and others will leave

  • We didn't factor in any trades or buyouts between now and June 2021

  • In the tables below, * indicates the player is a projected free-agent signing before 2021, while bold text indicates the player has a no-movement clause

Carolina Hurricanes

Pos. Protected players
F Jordan Staal
F Teuvo Teravainen
F Sebastian Aho
F Andrei Svechnikov
F Mike Hoffman*
F Martin Necas
F Nicolas Roy
D Dougie Hamilton
D Jaccob Slavin
D Brett Pesce
G Braden Holtby*

Pick: Jake Bean (D)
Other considerations: Micheal Ferland (F), Calvin de Haan (D), Alex Nedeljkovic (G), Callum Booth (G), Janne Kuokkanen (F)

We project the Hurricanes to sign Holtby and Hoffman, who would both land on the protected list. And while it would be tough to watch 2016 first-rounder Bean get plucked for nothing, the club has a surplus of defensemen. Carolina could also potentially lose one of its young goalies - Nedeljkovic or Booth - since the other could be the heir apparent to Holtby, but we predict Seattle opting for Bean due to his upside. Meanwhile, Necas would be exempt if he suits up for fewer than three more NHL games this season, but we expect the talented forward to play an important role down the stretch.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Kirk Irwin / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Pos. Protected players
F Cam Atkinson
F Pierre-Luc Dubois
F Alexander Wennberg
F Josh Anderson
D Seth Jones
D Zach Werenski
D Ryan Murray
D Markus Nutivaara
G Sergei Bobrovsky

Pick: Jakob Silfverberg* (F)
Other considerations: Boone Jenner (F), Gabriel Carlsson (D), Joonas Korpisalo (G), David Savard (D, UFA 2021)

The Blue Jackets could have a difficult decision to make in 2021. Do they go with the 7-3-1 format and risk losing a promising blue-liner in Murray or Nutivaara? Or do they protect eight total skaters and risk losing Silfverberg, who we project lands in Columbus after the team loses Artemi Panarin in free agency? We believe the Jackets would prioritize the young top-four defenseman, leaving Seattle with a reliable two-way winger in Silfverberg.

New Jersey Devils

Pos. Protected players
F Taylor Hall
F Kyle Palmieri
F Nico Hischier
F Jesper Bratt
F Blake Coleman
F Michael McLeod
F Joey Anderson
D Sami Vatanen
D Damon Severson
D Will Butcher
G Mackenzie Blackwood

Pick: Miles Wood (F)
Other considerations: Pavel Zacha (F), Brett Seney (F), John Quenneville (F), Cory Schneider (G), Keith Kinkaid (G), Mats Zuccarello* (F), Derick Brassard* (F)

We see the Devils landing some veteran forwards in free agency - namely Brassard and Zuccarello - to improve their forward depth and replace the likes of Marcus Johansson and Brian Boyle. However, those new pieces wouldn't be worth protecting come June 2021, as they'll already have a ton of mileage on their bodies. Seattle could go with a goalie here, but we're thinking the expansion franchise selects Wood - a speedy north-south winger who already has a 19-goal season under his belt.

New York Islanders

Andy Marlin / National Hockey League / Getty
Pos. Protected players
F Mathew Barzal
F Anders Lee
F Brock Nelson
F Josh Bailey
F Anthony Beauvillier
F Josh Ho-Sang
F Kieffer Bellows
D Ryan Pulock
D Johnny Boychuk
D Scott Mayfield
G Robin Lehner

Pick: Tyler Toffoli* (F)
Other considerations: Michael Dal Colle (F), Nick Leddy (D)

We're projecting the Islanders to land Toffoli as a free agent in 2020 after watching Jordan Eberle jet in 2019. However, Toffoli's track record as a consistent 20-goal scorer likely won't save him from expansion, and he could provide Seattle with a legitimate top-nine forward. It's also possible the Isles' relationship with Ho-Sang goes south over the next 30 months, but for now, the 2014 first-rounder has too much potential to leave off the protected list.

New York Rangers

Pos. Protected players
F Artemi Panarin*
F Mika Zibanejad
F Pavel Buchnevich
F Brett Howden
F Filip Chytil
F Lias Andersson
F Tim Gettinger
D Brady Skjei
D Neal Pionk
D Tony DeAngelo
G Alexandar Georgiev

Pick: Vladislav Namestnikov (F)
Other considerations: Jimmy Vesey (F), Ryan Strome (F), Marc Staal (D, UFA 2021), Kevin Shattenkirk (D, UFA 2021), Henrik Lundqvist (G, UFA 2021)

Already our choice to snag Panarin in free agency this summer, the Rangers appear to benefit most from Seattle's start date moving from 2020 to 2021. The switch allows New York to avoid having to protect Staal, Shattenkirk, and Lundqvist whose contracts all include a no-movement clause and run out in '20-21. (We also predict Mats Zuccarello, Kevin Hayes, and Chris Kreider will find new teams in free agency.) The Rangers could then use three protection spots for youngsters Chytil, Andersson and Howden, leaving Seattle with its pick of a few established forwards. We predict Namestnikov due to his ability to play both center and wing.

Philadelphia Flyers

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Pos. Protected players
F Claude Giroux
F Jakub Voracek
F Sean Couturier
F Nolan Patrick
F Travis Konecny
F Oskar Lindblom
F German Rubstov
D Shayne Gostisbehere
D Ivan Provorov
D Travis Sanheim
G Carter Hart

Pick: Philippe Myers (D)
Other considerations: James van Riemsdyk (F), Semyon Varlamov* (G)

Seattle could scoop up a known commodity in Van Riemsdyk, but we don't see the contract he signed this past summer ($35 million over five years) aging well. Instead, it makes more sense for the expansion team to swing for the fences on Myers, a mobile 6-foot-5, 21-year-old blue-liner who somehow went undrafted. We project Philly will sign Varlamov in 2019 - bridging the gap until Hart is ready - and the decision on which goalie to protect should be much easier by 2021.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pos. Protected players
F Sidney Crosby
F Evgeni Malkin
F Phil Kessel
F Jake Guentzel
F Patric Hornqvist
F Dominik Simon
F Zach Aston-Reese
D Kris Letang
D Brian Dumoulin
D Olli Maatta
G Matt Murray

Pick: Casey DeSmith (G)
Other considerations: Bryan Rust (F), Marcus Pettersson (D), Tanner Pearson (F, UFA 2021), Jamie Oleksiak (D, UFA 2021)

The toughest decision for the Penguins could come in goal. Murray's been awful for a season and a half, but it's too early to write off the two-time Stanley Cup champion. Protecting Murray would leave Seattle with DeSmith, who's posted a stellar .924 save percentage through 34 NHL games. Rust is the only other real contender, though his ceiling doesn't appear to be particularly high.

Washington Capitals

Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today Sports
Pos. Protected players
F Alex Ovechkin
F Evgeny Kuznetsov
F Nicklas Backstrom
F Tom Wilson
F Jakub Vrana
F Lars Eller
F Andre Burakovsky
D John Carlson
D Dmitry Orlov
D Michal Kempny
G Ilya Samsonov

Pick: TJ Oshie (F)
Other considerations: Madison Bowey (D), Christian Djoos (D), Jonas Siegenthaler (D), Matt Niskanen (D, UFA 2021)

Oshie will be 34 to start the 2021-22 season with four years left on his contract. The Washington state native would give Seattle a marketable player with a winning pedigree who could potentially wear a letter. Meanwhile, we project the Capitals will protect Burakovsky - who's just 23 and still has room to grow - along with Kempny rather than 2021 free agent Niskanen and a trio of up-and-coming defensemen.

Seattle mock expansion draft series:
Atlantic | Metropolitan | Central | Pacific | Full Seattle Roster

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle mock expansion draft: Atlantic Division’s protection lists, picks

Seattle's freshly unveiled NHL franchise may not have a moniker or a general manager - or even a timetable for announcing them either - but it does have a timeline for something rather juicy: the next expansion draft.

In June 2021, the GM of the Seattle Whatevers will acquire 30 players in one day. Following the same rules and regulations as the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017, Seattle will partake in the league's second expansion draft in four years, selecting one player from each NHL team except Vegas.

Because it’s fun to forecast, we’ve brought out the crystal ball here at theScore to look deep into the future and craft a dangerously early Seattle mock draft.

Others in the series: Metropolitan | Central | Pacific | Full Seattle Roster

Guided by the invaluable CapFriendly.com, we’ll be rolling out protected lists and picks this week for all four divisions, starting with the Atlantic.

First, though, a refresher on the expansion draft process and its criteria:

  • Teams must submit a protected-players list of either seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goalie OR eight skaters and one goalie
  • All players with no-movement clauses must be protected

  • All first- and second-year players, as well as unsigned draft picks, are exempt and can't be picked

  • Any player with a career-ending injury is also exempt

And some notes about our process:

  • We assumed most 2019 and '20 restricted free agents will re-sign with their current club
  • We made judgment calls on 2019 and '20 unrestricted free agents, projecting some will stay with their current team and others will leave

  • We didn't factor in any trades or buyouts between now and June 2021

  • In the tables below, * indicates the player is a projected free-agent signing before 2021, while bold text indicates the player has a no-movement clause

With all the disclaimers out of the way, here are our educated guesses for the Atlantic Division squads:

Boston Bruins

Pos. Protected players
F Patrice Bergeron
F Brad Marchand
F David Pastrnak
F Jake DeBrusk
F Kevin Hayes*
F Ryan Donato
F Trent Frederic
D Charlie McAvoy
D Torey Krug
D Brandon Carlo
G Dan Vladar

Pick: Matt Grzelcyk (D)
Other considerations: Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson (F), Anders Bjork (F), Tuukka Rask (G, UFA 2021)

Could Grzelcyk be to Seattle what Nate Schmidt was to Vegas? The smooth-skating blue-liner has a tough path to big minutes with the Bruins, and barring a breakout season, it's unlikely he'd be protected over Carlo. Forsbacka Karlsson is also tempting due to the lack of centers available. Rask will be 34 for the 2021-22 season and without a contract, making Boston's decision to protect the 6-foot-5 Vladar an easy choice.

Buffalo Sabres

Scott Audette / National Hockey League / Getty
Pos. Protected players
F Jack Eichel
F Jeff Skinner
F Sam Reinhart
F Conor Sheary
F Tage Thompson
F Casey Mittelstadt
F Alexander Nylander
D Rasmus Ristolainen
D Rasmus Dahlin
D Lawrence Pilut
G Linus Ullmark

Pick: Chris Tanev* (D)
Other considerations: Kyle Okposo (F), Evan Rodrigues (F), Carter Hutton (G, UFA 2021)

We're projecting Tanev signs a deal with the contending Sabres as a free agent in the summer of 2020 but becomes the odd man out in the draft thanks to the emergence of Pilut. Tanev, a right-handed veteran, would bring stability to Seattle's defense corps or serve as a possible trade chip. The Golden Knights flipped many defensemen they selected.

Detroit Red Wings

Pos. Protected players
F Dylan Larkin
F Anthony Mantha
F Andreas Athanasiou
F Michael Rasmussen
F Tyler Bertuzzi
F Evgeny Svechnikov
F Martin Frk
D Dennis Cholowski
D Filip Hronek
D Jake Muzzin*
G Jimmy Howard

Pick: Vili Saarijarvi (D)
Other considerations: Christoffer Ehn (F), Joe Hicketts (D)

The Red Wings don't project to leave a whole lot for Seattle, but Saarijarvi, currently a 21-year-old defenseman, is having a solid season in the AHL. As for some of Detroit's veterans missing from this list, Frans Nielsen will be far too old to be protected by then, while we have Gustav Nyquist departing as a free agent in 2019.

Florida Panthers

Bruce Bennett / Getty Images
Pos. Protected players
F Aleksander Barkov
F Jonathan Huberdeau
F Vincent Trocheck
F Evgenii Dadonov
F Charlie Coyle*
F Jared McCann
F Henrik Borgstrom
D Aaron Ekblad
D Keith Yandle
D Michael Matheson
G Samuel Montembeault

Pick: Denis Malgin (F)
Other considerations: Frank Vatrano (F), Alex Petrovic (D), Mark Pysyk (D), Nick Bjugstad (F, UFA 2021)

Malgin has failed to take a step forward with the Panthers this year, but his potential and ability to play center could be too enticing for Seattle to pass up. Vatrano might be a future 20-goal scorer, but such players are a dime a dozen for Seattle. Also of note: James Reimer's contract will be expiring, while Roberto Luongo will be 42 during the 2021-22 season, making Montembeault, a 2015 third-rounder, Florida's protected goalie.

Montreal Canadiens

Pos. Protected players
F Jonathan Drouin
F Brendan Gallagher
F Max Domi
F Jesperi Kotkaniemi
F Tomas Tatar
F Gustav Nyquist*
F Artturi Lehkonen
D Shea Weber
D Jake Gardiner*
D Noah Juulsen
G Carey Price

Pick: Victor Mete (D)
Other considerations: Joel Armia (F), Paul Byron (F), Phillip Danault (F, UFA 2021)

With plenty of cap room, we're thinking the Canadiens splurge in the summer of 2019, reuniting old friends Tatar and Nyquist, and stealing Gardiner from a division foe. This manufactures a tough decision for the Canadiens: protect Mete or Juulsen on the back end, and Armia or Lehkonen up front? Seattle opts to take the exposed Mete, who will be just 23 in 2021-22.

Ottawa Senators

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Pos. Protected players
F Mark Stone
F Bobby Ryan
F Chris Tierney
F Colin White
F Brady Tkachuk
F Drake Batherson
F Logan Brown
D Thomas Chabot
D Tyler Myers*
D Maxime Lajoie
G Filip Gustavsson

Pick: Ryan Dzingel (F)
Other considerations: Ryan Spooner* (F), Zach Bogosian* (D), Cody Ceci (D), Dylan DeMelo (D), Jacob Markstrom* (G)

With an abundance of cap room after Matt Duchene's projected departure via free agency, it would make sense for the Senators to address their blue line by signing Myers in the summer of 2019 and Bogosian in 2020. Assuming Craig Anderson retires once his contract is up in 2020, perhaps Markstrom is brought in to bridge the gap until Filip Gustavsson is ready. Forced to protect younger players and the immovable Ryan, Ottawa could easily lose a top-six forward in Dzingel, who's on pace for 30 goals this season.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Pos. Protected players
F Steven Stamkos
F Nikita Kucherov
F Brayden Point
F Yanni Gourde
F J.T. Miller
F Mathieu Joseph
F Anthony Cirelli
D Victor Hedman
D Ryan McDonagh
D Mikhail Sergachev
G Andrei Vasilevskiy

Pick: Tyler Johnson (F)
Other considerations: Ondrej Palat (F), Alex Killorn (F), Erik Cernak (D), Connor Ingram (G)

Even if the Lightning make some trades in preparation for the expansion draft, it's clear they're going to fork over one of their top players to Seattle. While Palat and Killorn are tempting, Johnson is the choice here, and not just because he's a native of Spokane, Wash., but because he instantly becomes the team's No. 1 center and potential inaugural captain.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Pos. Protected players
F Auston Matthews
F John Tavares
F Mitch Marner
F William Nylander
F Kasperi Kapanen
F Nazem Kadri
F Andreas Johnsson
D Morgan Rielly
D Travis Dermott
D Nikita Zaitsev
G Frederik Andersen

Pick: Connor Brown (F)
Other considerations: Andreas Borgman (D), Garret Sparks (G), Zach Hyman (F, UFA 2021), Calle Rosen (D, UFA 2021)

As it stands now, the Maple Leafs look primed to protect all of their top NHL assets. Plus, up-and-coming defensemen Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren - the club's most recent first-round picks - are exempt. Seattle then projects to select Brown, the hard-working, versatile winger.

Seattle mock expansion draft series:
Atlantic | Metropolitan | Central | Pacific | Full Seattle Roster

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.