This is a tough one, Edmonton would do it but tanev is very underrated, not sure if van would do it, not a bad trade

If Edm makes this deal it would leave Tanev and either Larrson or Klefbom exposed the in expansion draft

I would do the 8 skaters then. MCD, Lucic, Eberle, Drais, Klef, Larsson, Tanev and Sekera.

This team can afford to lose one of the remaining unprotected players. Probably Nurse. Seeing as your top 4 would be already solid though, it wouldn't be too bad.

McDavid does not need to be protected. At the time of the draft, players who ate first and second year players (according to seasons played, not the upcoming season) are not available. So, protect 4 defencemen: Klefbom, Larsson, Tanev, Sekera, and 4 forwards: Draisaitl, Eberle, Lucic, and probably Maroon. Pouliot, Letestu, Pitlick, Davidson would all be exposed. Nurse also does not need protecting, only on second year using his entry level deal.