Seattle can take even upcoming UFAs.. to be exact 10 of those. They should have at least 20 players who are on 20/21 contracts. There would be good lineup of UFAs in 2020 like RNH who might be your 2nd or 3rd C if you are able to scoop him or others. Simmer is likely resigned. Which would mean that you can easily have protection of 8/1 and protect all 4 of your best D-men and forward group of Forsberg, Johansen, Fiala and Arvidsson. Plus you might send a pick to protect Turris, Jarnkrok and someone else and give them Watson or Sissons

No the expansion is not clearer because Ellis signed. Josi will sign an extension next season once he and the Preds are eligible to do so. You really think NSH is just going to let him walk? They will be back into the 4-D protection program.

Technically they don't "have" to sign Josi before the expansion draft. Sure, Seattle could take him but it would be as a UFA with zero guarantees. So NSH could just have a handshake agreement in place to handle his contract once the expansion draft has passed. (In truth, I don't think this is likely but calling out its possible). More likely the Preds sign Josi next offseason (as you stated) and expose someone like Turris.

Would love to see Simmonds signed.

I also think there is a good chance Smith gets moved assuming Tolvanen continues to project to his capabilities.

Well we never know when the expansion is coming. Let's say Nashville or any team has five good Dmen. And imagine there isn't much difference between the 4th and 5th guys. You can't protect them both and mgjht lose one.
I'd protect just three Dmen and then you lose just one Dman anyways. If Ellis, Ekblom and Josi are signed long term. leave the expensive Subban exposed and hope he's claimed., Now you got 9m to spend.

Signing Simmons to six year contract next year seem to be a long term mistake.

Sure Seattle can take a UFA but that is usually a tactic they will implore on a team that doesn't have anyone they really want and don't want money on the books. Long time Preds fans will remember that they took a UFA goalie by the name of Mike Richter, a guy you could begin to build a franchise around much like Josi, from the NY Rangers and he promptly turned around a few weeks later and resigned with the Rangers. Probably not a move Seattle is going to make unless they know someone is unhappy with their current team, but all it really does is give them a few weeks of negotiating time prior to the beginning of Free Agency. No guarantee they ever play a game in Seattle. Given that Josi is the captain of the team I think he understands what kind of maneuvering needs to be made and that a deal will be in place for him to sign in Nashville after the expansion draft, probably something along the lines of 7x7 would be my guess. I also agree that if Hartman and Tolvanen continue to develop and another winger such as Simmonds can be added that it is possible that Smith could get moved for picks or a prospect, but just as likely they hold onto him for a cup run knowing they probably won't be resigning him. Simmonds may only get 5 years but I figure he gets a deal close to what James Neal just got. Also don't forget that if Fabbro chooses to forgo his senior season at BU he could be on the third D pairing with Hamhuis.