I don't think so, but we are still two years away. We don't know if we will pick up another top-4 D. WE don't know if any of our current forwards will be traded for such D.
But right now, I can't see exposing all but one of Danault and the guys who are on our second line to protect a 5th or 6th D (assuming Brook and/or Romanov are in the top 5). In fact, if Weber's level of play slips, I would risk him first.
Not saying it goes this way for sure but it's a possibility and depends on player performances in the next two years.
1) Price
2) Weber or Petry (don't think we protect both) and 2 from (Mete, Juulsen, Fleury, Kulak). Leaves a open spot for that LD if we acquire one.
3) Domi, Kotkaniemi, Gallagher (UFA), Drouin
Exposed players:
- Lindgren (UFA), McNiven
- One of Weber or Petry (UFA) and 2 from (Mete, Juulsen, Fleury, Kulak).
- Tatar (UFA), Danault (UFA), Lehkonen, Shaw, Byron, Armia, Evans
We are very lucky Poehling, Suzuki, Primeau, Brook are exempt