Kraken de Seattle

I think LA would protect Grundstrom over Moore.

Carolina is likely to go for a 7, 3, and 1 even if it means losing Jake Bean as Trochek is now an integral part of their offence. I don't think Bean will get much opportunity in Carolina so long as Skjei and Slavin are there. Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if he is moved in a package deal at the deadline this year.

I think Ottawa protects Connor Brown over Chlapik as Chlapik has sort of struggled to have a big impact at the NHL level while Brown has definitely proved to be a solid middle six forward.

Palmeri is a pending UFA so I doubt he is protected by New Jersey and I definitely think this means Wood is more likely to be protected.


I think St. Louis protects Sanford over Blais as Sanford has played more mintues in a top 6 role while Blais has mostly played on the 4th line with some 3rd line minutes.

Chicago protects Wallmark over Highmore as Highmore again is one of those players who has yet to make any sort of major impact at the NHL level while Wallmark is a solid defensive centre who can play on the PK and who can likely play a 3C type of role.

I think Anaheim exposes Henrique over Jones as Jones still has good potential and could possibly play top 6 minutes and Anaheim has Steel who imo is ready to step into a top 6 role and Rackell who can shift to centre, but they do need more wingers so for that reason I say they protect Jones over Henrique. However I could be wrong on this one we will just have to wait and see.

I think the Rangers would protect Gauthier over Lemeiux as Lemeiux seems to have had a hard time fitting into the Rangers system while Gauthier is younger and will likely get more oppurtunity as a RW as the Rangers are already stacked at LW, so again this means they don't really need Lemeiux.

As for the rest I don't really have any complaints and it will be interesting to see what the Avs do as both Toews and Graves are two solid defenceman who they may have to expose.