Quoting: CrossFireX33
Why would you not protect Kane?
Before I mention the reason, I fully acknowledge DW should probably protect Kane.
I left him out here mainly because if the Sharks can make a run at Danault in the offseason next season, he can center the 2nd line and bump up Hertl to Couture's wing (or Couture to Hertl's wing). With Kane's cap hit gone, SJ can maybe even go after Gallagher too.
Burns isn't as replaceable. Contrary to what most ppl on this site believe, I know he still has a few very, very good years left with this very extended rest for his beast of a body after playing heavy minutes (25+) throughout all those long taxing postseasons. I still didn't protect him again because SJ has Karlsson and Burns' cap hit for SJ's situation of needing to prioritize other areas.
Having said all that it obviously makes more sense to protect Kane over Kellman. But if I'm SJ's GM, I want to be absolutely sure that SJ gets cap space next offseason. If SEA chooses Kellman, the Sharks are absolutely screwed, to put it simply. But again, it's still probably worth the risk to protect Kane.