Matt Ross: Key Dates and Protected List

Yes, they can trade his rights. Normally a draft pick is involved, and the trade is completed prior to the draft, though the Expansion Draft this year will make things a little more interesting in regards to rights trades (and subsequent signing). The benefit is the team acquiring the rights has an "exclusive" negotiating period before free agency begins.

Using the Philadelphia Flyers/Kevin Hayes as an example... the Flyers traded a 2019 5th round pick on June 3, 2019 to the Winnipeg Jets for the rights to Hayes. Free agency began on July 1, and the Entry Draft began on June 21 that year.

There have been cases where a team acquired the negotiation rights then doesn't sign the player, as well as cases where the rights have been traded multiple times.

If they trade for his rights they can try to get a deal signed before Seattle is allowed to speak with players about to become UFAs. Then they’d have to protect him from Seattle in expansion draft.
If FL thinks Seattle wants him they might retain his rights in hopes that Seattle makes a deal with Driedger and he ends up counting as Seattle’s pick.

Wow, you're really big on Acciari . . . makes both your expansion list options. Love to know why you think he's a keeper ahead of several other names. (?)

But I'm not sure what your question about trading for UFA rights is really asking. (?) To answer you, it's simplest just to say that when a team trades a player's "negotiating rights" they are, in actuality, trading the player to a team for an asset in return. That player then becomes the sole "property" of the new team, and they now have a larger and exclusive window to speak with him about signing a new contract with their team before free agency opens and he is free to talk to everyone. Does that answer the question?

At this point, Bob, Huby, and Yandle must be protected due to NMCs.

Knight is exempt from the expansion draft due to less than 2 years, so protecting Bob is no big deal. Huberdeau would be a lock to protect anyway.

The big issue is Yandle, whether he waives his NMC or maybe gets bought out so Panthers can protect another player.

If Driedger signs with Seattle as a UFA directly from the Panthers, he would be the selection from the Panthers. However, if they trade his rights to another team for some pick or prospect, then Seattle would take a different Panther.

Best case for Panthers is probably Seattle signing Driedger.

Go Panthers!

At this point, Bob, Huby, and Yandle must be protected due to NMCs.

Knight is exempt from the expansion draft due to less than 2 years, so protecting Bob is no big deal. Huberdeau would be a lock to protect anyway.

The big issue is Yandle, whether he waives his NMC or maybe gets bought out so Panthers can protect another player.

If Driedger signs with Seattle as a UFA directly from the Panthers, he would be the selection from the Panthers. However, if they trade his rights to another team for some pick or prospect, then Seattle would take a different Panther.

Best case for Panthers is probably Seattle signing Driedger.

Go Panthers!
- JimboCoppertone

Yandle's buyout is pretty poopty

cap hit 2021-22: 2.3 million
cap hit 2022-23: 5.3 million


and then the next two season still a 1.2 mil a year cap hit

that 5.3 million year is rough

Yes, they can trade his rights. Normally a draft pick is involved, and the trade is completed prior to the draft, though the Expansion Draft this year will make things a little more interesting in regards to rights trades (and subsequent signing). The benefit is the team acquiring the rights has an "exclusive" negotiating period before free agency begins.

Using the Philadelphia Flyers/Kevin Hayes as an example... the Flyers traded a 2019 5th round pick on June 3, 2019 to the Winnipeg Jets for the rights to Hayes. Free agency began on July 1, and the Entry Draft began on June 21 that year.

There have been cases where a team acquired the negotiation rights then doesn't sign the player, as well as cases where the rights have been traded multiple times.
- CaptainSensible

Thanks for the explanation and insight, Captain - great stuff!

If they trade for his rights they can try to get a deal signed before Seattle is allowed to speak with players about to become UFAs. Then they’d have to protect him from Seattle in expansion draft.
If FL thinks Seattle wants him they might retain his rights in hopes that Seattle makes a deal with Driedger and he ends up counting as Seattle’s pick.
- Ratsreign

So many avenues that can be worked with the Expansion Draft…can’t wait to see what happens!

Wow, you're really big on Acciari . . . makes both your expansion list options. Love to know why you think he's a keeper ahead of several other names. (?)

But I'm not sure what your question about trading for UFA rights is really asking. (?) To answer you, it's simplest just to say that when a team trades a player's "negotiating rights" they are, in actuality, trading the player to a team for an asset in return. That player then becomes the sole "property" of the new team, and they now have a larger and exclusive window to speak with him about signing a new contract with their team before free agency opens and he is free to talk to everyone. Does that answer the question?
- Quillanrocks

I know it’s kind of crazy, but I like Acciari and think he brings a different element to the forward group.

He’s a guy that can play up and down the lines and with a team of “pretty” faces, he’s one of the few “ugly” guys - meaning he’s willing to play in the tough areas, sell out to block shots, plays hard both ways, can score and also shut down, etc.

On a team that can sometimes turn themselves into a pretzel through overly-fancy/forced play and passing, he keeps it simple and I think that’s an important guy to have for this squad.

I know it’s kind of crazy, but I like Acciari and think he brings a different element to the forward group.

He’s a guy that can play up and down the lines and with a team of “pretty” faces, he’s one of the few “ugly” guys - meaning he’s willing to play in the tough areas, sell out to block shots, plays hard both ways, can score and also shut down, etc.

On a team that can sometimes turn themselves into a pretzel through overly-fancy/forced play and passing, he keeps it simple and I think that’s an important guy to have for this squad.
- Matt Ross

I like Acciari, too. Just not sure I'd be worried enough about the Kraken selecting him that I'd protect him over other options . . . especially in the 8 skater version you proposed. (?) And unless you feel confident he has another 20 goal season in him, not sure I'd be worried about finding a player like him if he was selected.
But that's just me.

Trade Ekblad for Laine. Ekblad will never be the same and gun shy from being hit. Laine and Barkov are buddies. Protect Gudas, Weeger and Forsling. Have Yandle waive his nmc by telling him that you are going to sit him and break his ironman record and trade him for Tarasenko. Expose him to the expansion draft.

Trade Ekblad for Laine. Ekblad will never be the same and gun shy from being hit. Laine and Barkov are buddies. Protect Gudas, Weeger and Forsling. Have Yandle waive his nmc by telling him that you are going to sit him and break his ironman record and trade him for Tarasenko. Expose him to the expansion draft.
- madhatter56

Ekblad not going anywhere.

The Panthers played fine without Ekblad. They have Kolyachonok and Ludvig in the minors. Getting Laine and Barkov would bring chemistry. Also, They need a sniper which Laine brings to the table. On top of that, they have Anton Lundell coming into the league next season. Three outstanding Finland players, who will be tutored by Tuomo Ruutu who they brought in to aid The transition of Lundell from his Country. It a win-win situation.

When I watched the playoffs, I didn't think scoring was the issue with the Panthers. They put more goals in on Vasi and TBL than anyone. However, Ekblad was sorely missed on the defense. That might have been the difference in the series.

Does anyone have a subscription to FLA Hockey Now? Curious what George says in this article about Florida having interest in Kessel..?

https://floridahockeynow....il-kessel-blackhawks-fhn/

Looks like he also has another article about Yandle from a day or two ago.

I would definitely not protect Gudas over Forsling.

The Panthers played fine without Ekblad. They have Kolyachonok and Ludvig in the minors. Getting Laine and Barkov would bring chemistry. Also, They need a sniper which Laine brings to the table. On top of that, they have Anton Lundell coming into the league next season. Three outstanding Finland players, who will be tutored by Tuomo Ruutu who they brought in to aid The transition of Lundell from his Country. It a win-win situation.
- madhatter56

Yeah no. I hate break this you, but Ekblad isn't going anywhere. Especially just so some fans can live some team Finland in the NHL dream.
And I've seen Barkov and Laine play together, it wasn't that great. And Lundell is an unknown, and a rookie. Outside of McDavid level, or Crosby level type rookies, it's not good to expect anything over the top from them. If Lundell becomes a long time 2C after a period of adjustment, that's probably the best you should expect.

The reason the Panthers lost the series to Tampa Bay is insufficient goaltending. They also need more presence in front of the net. Now that Goalies are bigger you need bigger forwards in front of the net taking away their vision.
But apparently, you cannot see where the Panthers are going with this. They like drafting and taking players from Finland. Sometimes a player doesn't play up to their potential because of coaching and chemistry. A fine example of this was Ollie Jokinen, who underperformed with the Islanders. Under Keenan, he gained confidence. Oh by the way he was another Finnish player. If you don't like Barkov or other Finland, players like Lundell, traded them and get both Tkachuck brothers. They would add more grit. Ekblad is a defensive liability. Ekblad and Yandle are pretty boys who don't like to get hit in their own zone!

So, solve a defensive and goaltending problem with more forwards from Finland?

The Panthers played fine without Ekblad. They have Kolyachonok and Ludvig in the minors. Getting Laine and Barkov would bring chemistry. Also, They need a sniper which Laine brings to the table. On top of that, they have Anton Lundell coming into the league next season. Three outstanding Finland players, who will be tutored by Tuomo Ruutu who they brought in to aid The transition of Lundell from his Country. It a win-win situation.
- madhatter56

No way, my friend. Ekblad isn’t going anywhere. You think a couple of kids in the minors are ready to replace Ekblad this season? I like the two kids you mentioned, but come on. FL needs to bolster their defense much more than going out and adding Laine.

The purpose of the defenseman is to defend their own net. Besides that, is to get the puck out to one of the nine forwards who should do most of the scoring. Too many defensemen like Ekblad and Yandle try to be forwards, thus they get caught up ice. They were paired together for a while until they became known as the turnover brothers. They would rather turn over the puck than getting hit. Now that Ekblad had his leg broke, he will be gun shy. Good time to trade him while he still has value.

Your fallacy is that you are biased against Finland players. I'm not saying all Finland players are great, just certain ones. My reasoning is based on talent and what I see on the ice.

No way, my friend. Ekblad isn’t going anywhere. You think a couple of kids in the minors are ready to replace Ekblad this season? I like the two kids you mentioned, but come on. FL needs to bolster their defense much more than going out and adding Laine.
- Ratsreign

Ekblad was a kid once and needed to be tutored just like the rest.

Im terrified of the barkov/laine friendship. I hate the idea of bringing in laine. The games played against the cats he was mostly invisible. Id really rather not chance using so much cap on him. Especially since so many people think barkov is leaving at end of contract. I dont want to be stuck with a sad-sack laine

Based on Dreidgers career thus far It's more likely that he caught lightning In a bottle for a brief time and at age 27 and only a handful of games In the bigs he Isn't a prospect anymore, Looking forward to seeing what NHL GM falls out of the boat trying to get him and his over Inflated value.