Gourde does not have to be protected in the expansion draft, only nmc's have to be protected, so just Stamkos and Hedman. Gourde is the likely buy out candidate with the speculated cbo with a flat cap. Either way, Cirelli and Serg are going nowhere. Killorn, Gourde or Johnson via cbo and Paquette will be moved first, and beyond that Coburn can also be traded(or bought out/waived if neccessary to save some additional cap if needed). Tampa has plenty of guys ready for their chance on the 4th line, and the additions of Coleman and Goodrow were also made with these losses in mind. Tampa is not losing either Serg or Cirelli, there are plenty of other moves to be made. Given Tampa's history of bridging their rfa's, I'll put my chips on JBB re-signing them to similar deals as the rest before I buy into them getting traded or even accepting some supposed offer sheet. More likely they tell them thanks but no thanks like Point did and stay with a top contender for a cup before going somewhere where their chances are slim to none the next 3 years.
