Jason Lewis: NHL Expansion: Who Would the Kings Protect?

Jason, this is a great blog. I missed it the first time around. Very interesting stuff!

Why would Weal be on that list? Just wondering, would that be because he wouldn't be on his ELC? Also, don't you think he would be on the team by then?

Mike Richards left off?

Mike Richards left off?
- jmatchett383

He is protected by a cloud of illegal, yet sometimes fun, drugs.

Personally, I'd opt to protect Kyle Clifford. and nobody else. *turns sarcasm meter on*

Was looking at your roster, is it true you guys dont have one player with a NTC or NMC? Thats crazy

Was looking at your roster, is it true you guys dont have one player with a NTC or NMC? Thats crazy
- DDM-Coga

I saw that also (except Lucic, but that's from Boston). Props to DL for avoiding them.

I saw that also (except Lucic, but that's from Boston). Props to DL for avoiding them.
- quackup

I assumed Gaborik and Brown had one....They are going to get rid of that bum Brown now a NTC wont save him from being eligible for an expansion draft

Was looking at your roster, is it true you guys dont have one player with a NTC or NMC? Thats crazy
- DDM-Coga

DL is one of the smartest GMs in the NHL.

He doesn't always hand out stupid contracts and hates giving out NTC/NMC

Was looking at your roster, is it true you guys dont have one player with a NTC or NMC? Thats crazy
- DDM-Coga

Ehrhoff just got one. NMCs are very rare with Lombardi.

Ehrhoff just got one. NMCs are very rare with Lombardi.
- Jason_Lewis

on a 1 year contract, there is no harm in that, probably just doesnt want to ensure he doesnt get exposed to waivers for some strange reason

Mike Richards left off? Love the Flyers' fans sense of humor

Pretty sure I heard Brown had a limited NTC or NMC.

Either way, I think Lombardi protects him. He see's 23 in the rafters and a statue outside Staples, he'll retire a King as long as Lombardi is around.

Pretty sure I heard Brown had a limited NTC or NMC.

Either way, I think Lombardi protects him. He see's 23 in the rafters and a statue outside Staples, he'll retire a King as long as Lombardi is around.
- bluecoconuts

Pretty sure I heard Brown had a limited NTC or NMC.

Either way, I think Lombardi protects him. He see's 23 in the rafters and a statue outside Staples, he'll retire a King as long as Lombardi is around.
- bluecoconuts

It seems like Brown is working really, really hard this year to be in even better shape this time around. I hope it works for him. My guess is now that Richards is gone, Brown knows he's next if he doesn't get his scoring touch back. Lombardi protected Richards as well, to a certain point.

Pretty sure I heard Brown had a limited NTC or NMC.

Either way, I think Lombardi protects him. He see's 23 in the rafters and a statue outside Staples, he'll retire a King as long as Lombardi is around.
- bluecoconuts

Outright NTC:

Lucic
Quick

Limited NMC:

Brown (Can List up to 8 teams to NOT be moved to)
Ehrhoff

When did the expansion draft occur? My guess would be right before the entry draft but after the playoffs are finished.

Pretty sure I heard Brown had a limited NTC or NMC.

Either way, I think Lombardi protects him. He see's 23 in the rafters and a statue outside Staples, he'll retire a King as long as Lombardi is around.
- bluecoconuts

I do not understand this sentiment. At all.

I do not understand this sentiment. At all.
- Only_A_Ladd

As the captain during the best years (so far) why would you think this is not deserved? With a good comeback year, I think that would assure his banner and the acknowledgement for his contributions to the Kings championship years. He is what the Kings represent during this period. The statue may be a little over the top. Kopitar should be the only statue that is added along side gretzky.

As the captain during the best years (so far) why would you think this is not deserved? With a good comeback year, I think that would assure his banner and the acknowledgement for his contributions to the Kings championship years. He is what the Kings represent during this period. The statue may be a little over the top. Kopitar should be the only statue that is added along side gretzky.
- dprice818

Robitaille is excluded why??

Good read.
These long range projections are difficult. For example, Kopitar being a UFA at seasons end could change the roster dramatically two seasons from now. If they are unable to retain him (for some unknown reason), then you would have to imagine they would go out and try to grab another difference maker.
I'd love to see one of the Habs writers try to project things.

Robitaille is excluded why??
- KINGS67

And Bernie Nichols!

When did the expansion draft occur? My guess would be right before the entry draft but after the playoffs are finished.
- flamminghead

The 2000 expansion draft occurred a day before the entry draft.

Also worth noting, there are no set rules for an expansion draft. They are created and considered prior to it happening. Just because NTCs were protected last time does not mean they will be in the future.