The first 7 you listed are likely the ones protected and need to clear waivers so they are truely locks. Boeser and Goldobin likely have rosters to lose but they are NOT locked. It depends on who the coach is and the goal of the team. In some cases, it might actually be a good idea to send Goldobin/Boeser down to Utica so you have better options in Utica to call up when someone gets hurt. Its impossible to go through a season without multiple players getting hurt at the same time, which means you'll need a few players in Utica to call up as well. Boeser/Goldobin are among those that could fit that role (if they don't make the team).
Skillie - He played well and pretty much has done everything you could've expected from him. Typical 4th liner so if we can get him sign close to min salary, its a decent signing. Of course if we're serious about a youth movement, then maybe we let Skiller go and go with younger players.
Shore - Sample size is a bit small for him so at this point i'll leave him as an unknown. If he's willing to sign a 2 way deal, then its an easy decision because he could be a AHL/NHL shuttle player (back and forth as we need). I doubt he'll be picked up on waivers and he can contribute in a top 6 role in the AHL. Note he's a RFA (which makes signing him easier, tho that doesn't mean he'll accept a 2 way deal since he might make more money in Europe).
Rodin - Question about him is more about his health. If he's 100% then i would be interesting in having him back... however the question about rather or not he'll be 100% is an important one. Also note he's a UFA
Megna - He has speed which i guess could help Utica but really not interested in him being resigned
LaBate - RFA and pending a lot of injuries/illness, he'll stay in Utica next year. Also the fact he doesn't have to clear waivers yet makes it less likely he'll make the team (borderline player who doesn't need to clear waivers generally by default will be sent down)
Gaunce - If Vegas doesn't pick him up, he makes the team and is likely given the 4th line C spot, also note another RFA
Dorsett - He's under contract and getting paid a decent amount of money regardless of where he plays. Also has a decent amount of experience and as a 4th liner, he isn't exactly bad (just badly overpaid but he's getting paid regardless so that's sunk cost). Basically he has a spot by default...
Cramarossa - I would rather have him than Dorsett if we're going to have a true youth movement. Not sure we really need both him and a healthy Dorsett however and since we're stuck with Dorsett for a while it doesn't make much sense to keep him unless we somehow manage to get rid of Dorsett. Plus a rebuilding team likely doesn't want to overspend (i.e. have Dorsett play in the AHL) so unless we somehow get rid of Dorsett's contract (say via trade to Vegas), i don't see a spot for Cramarossa
Chaput - Interested in him playing in Utica/14th forward type role but not really too interested otherwise. Advantage is he is a RFA so signing him shouldn't be too tough.
Boucher - I think he has earned a spot for next year with his recent play. Seems to be fine defensively most of the time (tho could use the odd reminder like vs the Hawks, but played much better in his own end vs the Wilds).
Virtanen - Pending an insane productive summer of progression, Virtanen is no where near ready for the NHL...
The goal for him is probably 2019 not next year.
Cassels - He's closer to the ECHL than NHL right now since he is producing 0 offensively, meaning he's more or less a staple on the 4th line in Utica. That said, he might be the best defensive center in Utica, so if we need someone "safe", he's an option. Of course maybe he suddenly finds his offensive game in his 3rd year like he did in Jr... Maybe he isn't 100% or maybe he needs a full summer to work on his game? Regardless, he isn't really in the discussion for a spot next year.
Zach MacEwen, Grenier, Zalewski - None of the above are likely to make the team. MacEwen will basically be a AHL rookie next year. Not many UDFA go from CHL -> NHL... more so one that was bearly PPG. So he isn't really in the discussion for a spot next year. Grenier is a UFA... if we resign him, then he might get a shot but i dont see him out playing Boucher or some of the others. Zalewski is a RFA i think (mostly due to a late birthday) but i'm not sure if he'll get another contract. Injuries has affected his performance (he's just rounding into form now) so the playoff push in Utica probably determines rather or not he gets a contract. That also makes it pretty unlikely he'll make 'nucks next year.
In order (beside the 7 likely protected)
Gaunce
Goldobin (more experience than Boeser)
Boeser
Dorsett (contract)
Boucher
Rodin (health)
Skillie
Chaput
Cramarossa
Others are basically AHL or not interested...
One thing to note however is there will likely be a few PTO (like Skillie this year) and there's no doubt some minor signings (like Chaput/Megna this year) too so there's more competition than the above. Also Vegas' expansion draft and our 1st round pick could add more competition to the list (or remove Gaunce... possibly Boucher if he continues to be hot).
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