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After months of speculation, rumours, and theories we finally know what the Protection Lists will be for the 29 NHL teams involved in the Expansion Draft. There are some very shocking players that have been left unprotected by teams and like Vegas, Seattle has a good chance at being competitive early.
With each list officially out, it's time for another mock Expansion Draft.
Anaheim Ducks - Jacob Larsson LD
I debated between the young Fleury and Larsson here. Both young players that haven't really been able to establish themselves fully in the NHL. Larsson is a bit younger and a smidge cheaper which moved me to select him.
Arizona Coyotes - Christian Fischer RW
The bigger right winger had some goal scoring success early in his career but that has dissapeared the last couple seasons. Is only 24 and has played 265 NHL games plus only costs 1 mil next year and is an RFA after.
Boston Bruins - Jeremy Lauzon LD/RD
Younger shutdown defender who can play either side.
Buffalo Sabres - Will Borgen RD
Really had to stretch for a pick here. Decided to go with a younger right shot defenseman that might have some value to another team as a trade chip.
Calgary Flames - Mark Giordano LD
Veteran defenseman that should still be able to play in a top pairing or at worst a top four role. An excellent leader for what will likely be a younger defensive core.
Carolina - Jake Bean RD
Young offensive defenseman who has a high ceiling. Had his first real NHL shot this season with 12 points in 42 games. I think that's only the start for the kid. Great piece to build around.
Chicago Blackhawks - Colin Delia G
I don't expect him to ever suit up for the Kraken but could be another way to gain some draft picks from a team who might want a backup on the cheap.
Colorado Avalanche - Joonas Donskoi RW
Scoring right winger with the ability to put up 15+ goals a season. Excellent producer at 5 on 5.
Columbus Blue Jackets - Max Domi C/LW
Is Domi the elite centreman who put up 72 points in 82 games? Or is he the average middle six option who scored only 9 goals last season? At only 26 years old I think it is worth it for the Kraken to find out.
Dallas Stars - Ben Bishop G
Veteran goalie capable of being a legitimate starter. Did not play at all last season which poses risks but I believe is worth the selection.
Detroit Red Wings - Dennis Cholowski LD
Offense first defenseman with huge defensive issues in his game. Again I could see him as a trade chip.
Edmonton Oilers - Dominik Kahun LW
Had a rough season in Edmonton and never really established himself in the top six but still managed to score 9 even strength goals in 48 games.
Florida Panthers - Chris Driedger G
All the reports suggest that the Kraken will be taking pending UFA netminder Chris Driedger with their pick. A young goalie who has posted great regular season numbers, albeit in a small sample size. Alongside Bishop this could be a great duo.
LA Kings - Andreas Athanasiou LW/RW
May not ever reach the 30 goal plateau again but the speedy winger did notch 10 goals on a weak LA team last season and could be worth a gamble.
Minnesota Wild - Kaapa Kahkonen G
The young 24 year old goalie could have a long NHL career ahead of him but likely needs some seasoning still. Benefit of selecting Kahkonen is that he is waiver exempt.
Montreal Canadiens - Brett Kulak LD
While Price, Weber, and Drouin are all out there for the taking there are just too many risks involved with each player. Instead I will be selecting the cheap and reliable third pairing option on the blueline in Kulak.
Nashville Predators- Colton Sissons RW
Again, some high cost options exist here in Johansen and Duchene but Sissons is an excellent middle six producer who can play on the wing or at centre and is locked up long term on a very team friendly deal.
New Jersey Devils - Nathan Bastian RW
Only scored 3 goals in 41 games in his rookie season but his AHL numbers suggests he can do much more. The Kraken need some prospects on the shelf to start and Bastian could be a good one.
New York Islanders - Jordan Eberle RW
Jordan Eberle scores goals. It's his thing and even at 31 he remains a consistent producer who can score 20+ over a full season. Seattle needs guys to put the puck into the net and Ebs can certainly do that.
New York Rangers - Anthony Deangelo RD
A risky bet but if his ego can get put under control the Kraken could have a top four defenseman who can produce at a ppg pace. Worst case scenario they can bury him in the minors or not qualify him after next season.
Ottawa Senators - Chris Tierney C/LW
Veteran bottom six centre or winger who is an excellent role player. The kind of player that every coach loves to have and can pot close to 10 goals a season while he is at it.
Philadelphia Flyers - James van Riemsdyk LW
An expensive 7 million dollar cap for the next couple seasons but van Riemsdyk is a true top six talent. Seattle has the space to overpay a bit for his talents.
Pittsburgh Penguins - Jason Zucker LW
Zucker was a regular 20 goal producer and excellent possession player in Minnesota but just couldn't seem to replicate that in Pittsburgh. A responsible forward who can help his team defensively and if he bounces back offensively as well.
San Jose Sharks - Dylan Gambrell C
24 year old affordable centre who maxes out as a bottom six option.
St Louis Blues - Vince Dunn LD
No Tarasenko here. I really like Dunn as a player. He is an excellent puck mover who is able to produce but is still very responsible in his own end. Currently slots as a third pairing defender but I like his chances at being a reliable top four option in the near future.
Tampa Bay Lightning - Yanni Gourde C
Tampa left a number of higher end forwards on the table but Gourde makes the most sense to me. He is a jack of all trades centreman who likely slots into a top six role with the Kraken. Moves the puck effectively and also shoots a ton. Seattle is going to love this player.
Toronto Maple Leafs - Jared McCann C
I get what Toronto is doing here but I also don't get it. McCann puts up strong numbers despite not receiving too much ice time. At the worst he is an excellent third line centre but if given the chance I think he could be a darkhorse for the Kraken and become a regular top six centreman.
Vancouver Canucks - Zach MacEwan C/RW
Sure Vancouver, if that's the best you've got I'll take it.
Washington Capitals - Vitek Vanacek G
I've gone a little crazy in the goalie market as Vitek will be my 5th goalie selected. Collecting younger goalies will help either to find a true starter in the mix, or deal them to other teams.
Winnipeg - Dylan DeMelo RD
I like Logan Stanley but shocked that Winnipeg left this guy open. Solid player who can take on big minutes against tough competition and on a great deal.
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With all that said, here is my Seattle Kraken roster
van Riemsdyk - Gourde - Eberle
Zucker - Domi - Donskoi
Athanasiou - McCann - Sissons
Tierney - Gambrell - Fischer
Kahun - MacEwan - Bastian
Giordano - DeMelo
Dunn - Deangelo
Kulak - Lauzon
Bean - Borgen
Cholowski - Larsson
Bishop
Driedget
Kahkonen
Vanacek
Delia
I've tried to find a balance between a variety of categories to fashion a roster that can compete on a nightly basis while also building towards the future. The Pacific Division will easily be the weakest division in the NHL next season and this roster actually has a chance at making the playoffs.
For those curious, this roster consists of 15 forwards, 10 defensemen, 5 goalies and meets all the requirements for 21/22 contracts. This roster also costs 77.8 million which makes it cap compliant. Some of these contracts will be buried, traded, or simply not signed as well.
Leave your thoughts in the comments and submit your own rosters. We are down to the wire now!
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