2021 Seattle Expansion Thread

[violaswallet]

Hey all,

Given that we have a long break, I thought we could have some fun by guessing the upcoming expansion draft. Barring stupidity by you know who, I actually think we're in a great position for it!

The rules are always 7-3-1 or 4-4-1 (like last time)​

Here are the players that will be signed and do need to be protected. I'm assuming that all RFAs will be re-signed until then...

Forwards	Defense	Goalie
Barkov	Ekblad	Bob (NMC)
Hubs	Yandle (NMC)	Monty (RFA)
Troch	Weegar
Acciari	Stillman (RFA)
Connolly	Brown (RFA)
Vatrano	Matheson
Borg (RFA)	Stralman
Hawk (RFA)
Toni (RFA)
Hunt(RFA)
Malgin (RFA)

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

Potential UFAs are:

Forwards	Defense	Goalie
Hoffman	Pysyk	Dreidger
Dadonov
Boyle
Scevs

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

It looks like Tippett's entry level slide in his +1 year should not count as a year (the best parallel is Sam Reinhart from the last expansion draft who played 2 seasons in NHL+9 games in a 3rd, but did not need to be protected. So the main prospects who are exempt are:

Forward	Defense	Goalie
Denisenko	Kolyachonok	Knight
Noel
Tippett
Hepo

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

In all, I actually think that Tallon positioned us super well for a 7-3-1. My guess is that we protect:

1. Forwards: Barkov, Huberdeau, Trocheck, Dadonov (I'm fairly confident we re-sign!), Acciari, Vatrano, Connolly
   1. Main left unprotected: Hawk, Borg, Toni, Malgin, Hunt
   2. My guess is that one of our last 3 protected might be switched out with Borg if he ever rebounds, but I am super happy here with what we have protected. Given that I anticipate Denisenko, Tippett and Noel in the line up by then, it looks promising!
2. Defense: Ekblad, Yands, Weegar….This one is much more difficult. Ekblad is a lock, but everything after that is unclear. I'm guessing that Yandle doesn't waive his NMC, so we protect him. Right now, I'd protect Weegar, but it could change...I wouldn't know!
   1. Unprotected: Stillman, Stralman, Matheson, Brown...Stralman only has a NTC and is unlikely to be taken; Matheson's contract is terrible right now, but it could change.
   2. Probably we'd lose whichever defenseman we let go, which could be tough. We probably need to get some depth in the system.
3. Goalie: Obvious. We have to protect Bob (maybe if everything goes South, some magic is made here... but that is too unrealistic as now). Monty/Dreidger left unprotected.

Of course things can change a lot...perhaps our defense gets re-ordered or maybe someone breaks out...or perhaps Hall signs here next season for 900k a season

Click to read more...

 

[FrolikFan67]

Hey all,

Given that we have a long break, I thought we could have some fun by guessing the upcoming expansion draft. Barring stupidity by you know who, I actually think we're in a great position for it!

The rules are always 7-3-1 or 4-4-1 (like last time)​

Here are the players that will be signed and do need to be protected. I'm assuming that all RFAs will be re-signed until then...

Forwards	Defense	Goalie
Barkov	Ekblad	Bob (NMC)
Hubs	Yandle (NMC)	Monty (RFA)
Troch	Weegar
Acciari	Stillman (RFA)
Connolly	Brown (RFA)
Vatrano	Matheson
Borg (RFA)	Stralman
Hawk (RFA)
Toni (RFA)
Hunt(RFA)
Malgin (RFA)

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

Potential UFAs are:

Forwards	Defense	Goalie
Hoffman	Pysyk	Dreidger
Dadonov
Boyle
Scevs

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

It looks like Tippett's entry level slide in his +1 year should not count as a year (the best parallel is Sam Reinhart from the last expansion draft who played 2 seasons in NHL+9 games in a 3rd, but did not need to be protected. So the main prospects who are exempt are:

Forward	Defense	Goalie
Denisenko	Kolyachonok	Knight
Noel
Tippett
Hepo

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

In all, I actually think that Tallon positioned us super well for a 7-3-1. My guess is that we protect:

1. Forwards: Barkov, Huberdeau, Trocheck, Dadonov (I'm fairly confident we re-sign!), Acciari, Vatrano, Connolly
   1. Main left unprotected: Hawk, Borg, Toni, Malgin, Hunt
   2. My guess is that one of our last 3 protected might be switched out with Borg if he ever rebounds, but I am super happy here with what we have protected. Given that I anticipate Denisenko, Tippett and Noel in the line up by then, it looks promising!
2. Defense: Ekblad, Yands, Weegar….This one is much more difficult. Ekblad is a lock, but everything after that is unclear. I'm guessing that Yandle doesn't waive his NMC, so we protect him. Right now, I'd protect Weegar, but it could change...I wouldn't know!
   1. Unprotected: Stillman, Stralman, Matheson, Brown...Stralman only has a NTC and is unlikely to be taken; Matheson's contract is terrible right now, but it could change.
   2. Probably we'd lose whichever defenseman we let go, which could be tough. We probably need to get some depth in the system.
3. Goalie: Obvious. We have to protect Bob (maybe if everything goes South, some magic is made here... but that is too unrealistic as now). Monty/Dreidger left unprotected.

Of course things can change a lot...perhaps our defense gets re-ordered or maybe someone breaks out...or perhaps Hall signs here next season for 900k a season

I agree with all 7 forwards. I’d prefer to protect Ekblad, weegar, and stillman, and then leave math, yands, and stralman all exposed. But if we’re forced to protect Yandle because of the nmc then replacing stillman with Yandle is fine. I doubt Seattle would select stillman.

 

[Dread Clawz]

I agree with all 7 forwards. I’d prefer to protect Ekblad, weegar, and stillman, and then leave math, yands, and stralman all exposed. But if we’re forced to protect Yandle because of the nmc then replacing stillman with Yandle is fine. I doubt Seattle would select stillman.

I think they would definitely select Stillman. Young up and coming d-man, physical, great pk, cheap contract. A lot can change in a year and a half but as of right now I'd protect Stillman over Weegar.

 

[Fern111]

I think they would definitely select Stillman. Young up and coming d-man, physical, great pk, cheap contract. A lot can change in a year and a half but as of right now I'd protect Stillman over Weegar.

I wouldn't, I love what Stillman has brought to our team but Weegar was our best defenseman before his injury. I think I'd offer a deal to Seattle, take Matheson, Borg and a draft pick and leave us Stillman.

Stillman, Stralman, Weegar, Ekblad, Yandle is a fine core defensive group imo.

 

[Dread Clawz]

I wouldn't, I love what Stillman has brought to our team but Weegar was our best defenseman before his injury. I think I'd offer a deal to Seattle, take Matheson, Borg and a draft pick and leave us Stillman.

Stillman, Stralman, Weegar, Ekblad, Yandle is a fine core defensive group imo.

To each his own, I think Stillman has a higher upside....and I'm a big fan of Weegar.

Tallon is definitely gonna have to throw Seattle some draft picks to protect a couple players.

 

[Chaos2k7]

Should have been 7-3-1 last time too.

I have no confidence in Dale in regards to an expansion draft, hopefully he doesnt screw the pooch again.

 

[letsgrowcactus]

To each his own, I think Stillman has a higher upside....and I'm a big fan of Weegar.

Tallon is definitely gonna have to throw Seattle some draft picks to protect a couple players.

Ehhh, after last time, I just hope he doesn't overthink it. You know, just protect 7-3-1 and let them pick a guy. They can only grab one after all.

Protect the 7F: Barkov, Huberdeau, Trocheck, Connolly, Dadonov/Hoffman, Borgstrom, Acciari. (Protecting Borgstrom here based on the idea that he cements himself as the 3C next year and looks good).
The 3D: Ekblad, Yandle if he doesn't waive, Weegar/Stillman.
Bobrovski

We lose one of Vatrano, Weegar, Stillman, Matheson, Strallman, Driedger or a depth guy.

Interesting enough, this THN projection has us losing a forward - of course that's five months old and a lot has changed since, and a lot can still change in the next year sixteen months or so.

It's the expansion draft; it will most likely suck for us. Don't make it worse than it has to be.

 

[Jean Luc Discard]

Huberdeau - Barkov - Dadonov
Connolly - Trocheck - Acciari
Hoffman - Toninato - Vatrano
Hawryluk - Lammikko - Sceviour

Weegar - Ekblad
Stillman - Stralman
Yandle - Brown

I'd trade Math + Malgin for a 3rd/4th round pick with Seattle. Math has improved his game quite a bit from last year but he's nowhere near of cashing in the sweet talk and promises by Dale of being the next Duncan Keith. Malgin as an additional piece if and when Seattle is doubting whether to pick Math or not. Ofc it's a given that as soon as puts Seattle Whatevers jersey on he becomes the next Bobby Orr.

Even without Borgstrom cashing in on his promise of being middle6 forward for the Cats that should the best forward group in the league. Weegar signing for 4x4milm Hoff&Dads 5x6.75mil, Toni&Lamm&Brown 1x1mil and league minimums for the rest.

 

[Dread Clawz]

Ehhh, after last time, I just hope he doesn't overthink it. You know, just protect 7-3-1 and let them pick a guy. They can only grab one after all.

Protect the 7F: Barkov, Huberdeau, Trocheck, Connolly, Dadonov/Hoffman, Borgstrom, Acciari. (Protecting Borgstrom here based on the idea that he cements himself as the 3C next year and looks good).
The 3D: Ekblad, Yandle if he doesn't waive, Weegar/Stillman.
Bobrovski

We lose one of Vatrano, Weegar, Stillman, Matheson, Strallman, Driedger or a depth guy.

Interesting enough, this THN projection has us losing a forward - of course that's five months old and a lot has changed since, and a lot can still change in the next year sixteen months or so.

It's the expansion draft; it will most likely suck for us. Don't make it worse than it has to be.

If it's to protect Vatrano and Weegar/Stillman, I'd definitely sacrifice picks. We're close to becoming a contender, we can't lose anyone important. We have to only go forward from here.

 

[Mogo]

Don't NMC/NTC have to be protected?

 

[GrumpyKelly]

I'd imagine Yandle is either traded or asked to waive his nmc before the draft.

 

[RainingRats]

I'd imagine Yandle is either traded or asked to waive his nmc before the draft.

Can’t see him waiving. No reason for him to want to leave

 

[RainingRats]

Don't NMC/NTC have to be protected?

I thought so which means Stralman and Yandle would be 2/3 D. Guess not. Only NMC. Then ekblad and too early to know on the other D

Ekblad would be our third D we protect

so we’d lose one or Stillman, Weegar, or Matheson if they pick a D. We’ll survive. Stillman is being severely overrated in this thread. Very hard to know how he’ll be in another year or two.

weegar has concussion issues.

who know what Matheson’s level of play is going to be.

 

[RogerRoger]

If Yandle doesn't want to waive his NMC, I'd protect 8 players: Barkov, Huberdeau, Dadonov, Trocheck, Yandle, Ekblad, Weegar, Stillman

We have a lot of wingers depth in the AHL (Tippett, Denisenko, Noel, Heponiemi, etc.) but we are thin in the NHL on defense. Losing Vatrano would hurt, but he is easier to replace via trade, UFA, or internally than Weegar or Stillman.

This could change if Weegar continues to have concussion issues.

 

[TeslaCoilFan]

Don't NMC/NTC have to be protected?

Only NMC must be protected. Also, 1st and 2nd year NHL players are exempt so that includes Stillman and Weegar, right?

 

[RogerRoger]

Only NMC must be protected. Also, 1st and 2nd year NHL players are exempt so that includes Stillman and Weegar, right?

It's pro season and the AHL counts iirc. Here is a quick and easy list: Seattle Expansion Draft Simulator - CapFriendly - NHL Salary Caps

 

[letsgrowcactus]

If it's to protect Vatrano and Weegar/Stillman, I'd definitely sacrifice picks. We're close to becoming a contender, we can't lose anyone important. We have to only go forward from here.

Sacrificing some picks I'm okay with as long as we don't go crazy with it (wouldn't move a 1st for example, or one of our top prospects). But if Seattle's too greedy, don't try to be clever; just take the loss. Too many teams screwed themselves in the previous expansion draft by trying to keep their guys, us included. Let's not repeat the same mistake with Seattle.

 

[GrumpyKelly]

Can’t see him waiving. No reason for him to want to leave

Players often do if they're asked. If they tell him he's not wanted and he'll play third pairing while Math/Weegs take his place on the first PP. He's not going to waive to any team but Seattle could be one. Expansion team should be fun and he would have a big role for sure.

 

[RainingRats]

Players often do if they're asked. If they tell him he's not wanted and he'll play third pairing while Math/Weegs take his place on the first PP. He's not going to waive to any team but Seattle could be one. Expansion team should be fun and he would have a big role for sure.

Lmao @ matheson or weegar taking his spot on the PP. you realize he’s an elite PP qb? One of the best in the league and has been for the past decade

Yandle gets way too much crap. You need offense from your blueline and he’s a key piece of the PP that has been a critical function for us winning games. He’s also a +5 so he’s not this huge liability people think he is.

6th in the league in points for d-men,
2nd in assists.

Crazy that people want him gone but are looking to keep Weegar (concussion issues) and Stillman (shiny new thing, totally unproven)

 

[GrumpyKelly]

Lmao @ matheson or weegar taking his spot on the PP. you realize he’s an elite PP qb? One of the best in the league and has been for the past decade

Yandle gets way too much crap. You need offense from your blueline and he’s a key piece of the PP that has been a critical function for us winning games. He’s also a +5 so he’s not this huge liability people think he is.

6th in the league in points for d-men,
2nd in assists.

Crazy that people want him gone but are looking to keep Weegar (concussion issues) and Stillman (shiny new thing, totally unproven)

Why is Q playing him in the third pairing then? I mean it's pretty obvious Q doesn't trust him. Him being an elite QB is great but not nearly enough to justify his salary.

My point was if they tell him he's not getting PP1 time anymore with Ekblad taking over and his overall role is reduced, he might very well waive. Nothing to do with who's better PP qb Yandle or Weegs/Math.

 

[RainingRats]

Why is Q playing him in the third pairing then? I mean it's pretty obvious Q doesn't trust him. Him being an elite QB is great but not nearly enough to justify his salary.

My point was if they tell him he's not getting PP1 time anymore with Ekblad taking over and his overall role is reduced, he might very well waive. Nothing to do with who's better PP qb Yandle or Weegs/Math.

Q played Matheson on the third pair too. Q juggles the pairings. I don’t care if Yandle plays 3rd pair. He’s having a positive impact on the team and our 5 on 5 scoring has to be supplemented by the PP

no, being 6th overall in scoring for d-men and 2nd in assists = salary justified - it’s crazy that this is so easily overlooked

you need offensive production from your D. It’s really important, especially on the PP.

again, even if he gets moved to second PP unit (he won’t), that’s still not a good reason to waive.

yandle is prob fine playing third pair minutes too bc he’s a team first guy.

 

[GrumpyKelly]

Q played Matheson on the third pair too. Q juggles the pairings. I don’t care if Yandle plays 3rd pair. He’s having a positive impact on the team and our 5 on 5 scoring has to be supplemented by the PP

no, being 6th overall in scoring for d-men and 2nd in assists = salary justified - it’s crazy that this is so easily overlooked

you need offensive production from your D. It’s really important, especially on the PP.

again, even if he gets moved to second PP unit (he won’t), that’s still not a good reason to waive.

yandle is prob fine playing third pair minutes too bc he’s a team first guy.

The only reason Math lost his spot with Ek or didn't have it in the beginning was Math. He can't help getting in his own way. As soon as Math improved Yandle was bumped down. Also we've seen Ek play on the first PP already, taking Yands spot.

I just don't see him in the plans in the long run. Points are great but we can score enough as it is and need to solidify the defense. Yandle doesn't bring that. Add his contract, age and usage and I'm not sold at all him playing his contract out in Florida.

 

[Crossbar]

We need to see how the first PP unit is without Hoff, because most teams focus on him. Then we need to see how the first PP unit is without Yands, because majority of the time this season, no one on the team has done a better job at keeping the pucks inside the offensive blueline and of course drawing in defenders/distributing out to open teammates. We rip on Yands for the occasional shorthanded breakaways, Ek has done it too, especially these last weeks.

 

[RainingRats]

We need to see how the first PP unit is without Hoff, because most teams focus on him. Then we need to see how the first PP unit is without Yands, because majority of the time this season, no one on the team has done a better job at keeping the pucks inside the offensive blueline and of course drawing in defenders/distributing out to open teammates. We rip on Yands for the occasional shorthanded breakaways, Ek has done it too, especially these last weeks.

I think Hoffman can be swapped with Ekblad as a new trigger man. Flip Hoffman’s spot with Hubs and the PP will be just as deadly imo.

 

[TheImpatientPanther]

Doing some snooping with the Skatr tool, fancy stats stuff. Interesting charts for each defenseman this year.
Ekblad's stats are unreal, Weegar is sorely missed and Stillman looks really promising, albeit a 12 game snap shot.
Was a little disappointed with Stralman's chart defensively but he is the older statesman on the team and providing decent offense.
Brown's is okay for his 3rd pairing role, Pysyk is better at forward by a wide margin.

For Matheson and Yandle, you're comparing a two-way guy that is facing way tougher QOC who scores 5 on 5 and can skate the puck vs the sheltered PP specialist who gets a ton of assists moving the puck to elite forwards.


Aaron Ekblad


Mackenzie Weegar


Riley Stillman


Mike Matheson


Keith Yandle


Anton Stralman


Josh Brown


Mark Pysyk