The Devils are currently listening to offers for Butcher. I don't see the Devils protecting him.

It will be either Subban or Siegenthaler for that 3rd spot. I hope its Subban but I might be Siegenthaler

Siegs > Butcher

Because of Subban's cap hit, he doesn't need any protection whatsoever.


As for Siegenthaler, what has he contributed to the Devils exactly?

Well, they just got him at the deadline... Which you'd imagine if you'd spend a 3rd, you don't just want him for the end of a dead season?

Asset management.

I really like Bastian. Is Merkley really better?

The Devils need Subban’s contract to get closer to the cap floor. It won’t be PK left unprotected, it’ll most likely but Siegenthaler and Butcher.

Sharangovich needs to be protected?

Bastian is good but seems limited offensively. Merkley is scrappy enough for a bottom 6 role but was also able to produce with limited ice time so it depends on what you’re looking for. If it’s a big body that can push the pace physically, Bastian is your guy but if you want a little more offense then Merkley is the pick

He's not exempt, so yeah

Siegenthaler is a defensive defenseman that would help on the PK
Graves is just a better version for that role. And with Bahl right behind him in the depth chart, the Devils could expose him.

But why would Seattle take Subban?

Taking on Subban alone would take up over 11 percent of Seattle's cap space.

Merkley is not better than Bastian

I’m saying Subban will be protected

And I'm saying he shouldn't be.

The Devils have other defencemen that need protection and that have a much smaller cap hit than Subban.

Subban's cap hit alone is protection.

Oh okay I see what you mean now

Severson, Graves, and Siegenthaler will be the 3 D the Devils protect.

I would completely agree if Butcher gets traded before expansion

100% needs to be protected.

Forwards, in order of must-need-to-protect (in my view)

1. Hischier
2. Bratt
3. Sharangovich
4. Zacha
5. Kuokkanen
6. McLeod
7. Wood
---------------
8. Bastian
9. Merkley
10. Johnsson
11. Studenic

(Those top-4 are locks to be protected)

D-men, in order of must-need-to-protect (in my view)

1. Severson
2. Graves
3. Siegenthaler
---------------
4. Subban
5. Butcher
6. White, Sissions, UFAs

If they re-sign Murray, would go between 2-3.
Don't think Subban would be likely Seattle selections.
Butcher traded only after expansion, I'd think.