Anderson could leave as a FA this off-season so Columbus might not even have to worry about protecting him. Columbus could also go the 8-1 route and protect Gavrikov and Murray, leaving basically Savard or Wennberg, or any of their large contracts that dont score to their contracts like Foligno, Nash, or Jenner.
Seattle is probably ending up with a 3.5+ Mil player from Columbus as they dont have to protect Merzlinkins, Texier, Foudy, Robinson or Bemstrom.
they could, and i almost expect them too, go PLD, Atkinson, Nyquist, Bjorkstrand, Werenski, Jones, Gavrikov, Murray OR Savard, Korpisalo as the protected list.
Leaving Wennberg, Jenner, Foligno, Riley Nash, Nuutivaara, and the other of Murray or Savard, as probably the best options and Columbus would be more than fine to get the cap space relief with you guys taking Wennberg and hoping he can return to a 50 point player.