It's a little too early to be worrying over the next expansion draft. 2021 might not seem like it's far away, but in the sports world, a lot can happen in two-and-half seasons. Other than a handful of guys from the core, there's no telling what this roster will look like then.
One thing I am sure of, is that the decision on Juuse Saros should be an easy one by the time of the draft. By then, the Preds should know if he's the goaltender of the future or not. If he is, you resign him and protect him, it's as simple as that. As much as I love Pekka, you can't risk giving up your goaltender for potentially the next decade, just to squeeze one or two more seasons out of a goalie who's staring 40 in the face. The only way this decision becomes hard, is if Juuse unexpectedly turns out to be a dud. Pekka would be free agent by that time too, so I'm not sure how that effects the situation, if at all.
I have mixed feelings on expansion, but at least Seattle feels like a viable hockey market. I just don't know about Vegas... I worry that, when the novelty wears off, and tourists decide they rather spend their money at the Craps Table instead of on Golden Knights tickets, just how viable that market's going to be. I want to show support for a fellow non-traditional market team, mostly due to all the crap the Preds have had to go through over the years, but I find it hard with Vegas... Probably because the franchise was born with the NHL equivalent of a silver spoon in their mouths, and didn't have to go through all the traditional expansion pains other teams did. Still hope it works out though.
Also, is it sadistic of me that a part of me hopes, if Arizona does relocate, they move to Quebec City just to see the chaos it's going to cause with realignment.
