Quoting: Marcsnack
Fair enough! You guys think, however, that Tampa may still protect Foote alongside Hedman, Sergachev and Cernak and leave Palat, Killorn, Gourde exposed?
Foote has to play 40 games this season to be eligible to be selected by Seattle. Which is why I expect the Lightning will prefer to only give him a taste of the NHL this year and then bring him in full-time next season after he's had 2 full AHL seasons and a mixed AHL/NHL year under his belt. Likely slot him in as a full-time partner for Hedman since Cernak usually plays with Sergachev or McDonagh.
If I am guessing the Lightning's protections assuming Killorn and Johnson are already gone:
- Forwards: Stamkos, Kucherov, Point, Cirelli, Palat, Coleman, Goodrow
- Defense: Hedman, Sergachev, Cernak
- Goalie: McElhinney
(just kidding)
The goal for the expansion draft has to be to move Gourde or McDonagh, preferably the latter. Even though McDonagh would be solid for Seattle, age and term being a factor though, I would imagine there would be conversations beforehand and compensation heading towards Seattle to make sure the right outcome occurs.