Staal needs to be protected unless he waived his no trade. I think bean or trochek gets selected ahead of foegele in the expansion draft

I expect Staal to waive his NMC. This scenario does depend on that, of course. To me, Foegele's the more attractive candidate, because he's an NHL player (unlike Bean, for now), he won't be a pending UFA, and will only be 25 by the time Seattle takes him.

I would have protected Foegele. Also, why are you giving Barclay Goodrow 7 years. I understand up to 3 but 7. No way. Also, you can save the money for someone that's not a goalie. Mrasek is probably good enough but you may want a decent backup. I just feel like Binnington is unnecessary and both goalies would get more money. Its not too realistic but it is a final 4 team.

Typo in Goodrow's case. It's actually a 4 year deal. And I decided on an 8+1 in order to protect Fleury, hence why Foegele is exposed. Goodrow-Staal-Fast would be an elite defensive 3rd line.

I agree with foegel being an attractive target, but I think bean and trochek both are higher upside choices for Seattle. Trochek seems to make the most sense to me for Seattle to pick because there are not many top 6 centers available

To me, the most important guys to protect, besides the obvious core pieces, are Geekie and Fleury. Staal waiving his NMC would make that happen. If he doesn't, then go 7-3-1, protect Trocheck/Fast/Geekie, and let Seattle take Fleury. Trocheck is attractive for Seattle as far as position is concerned but not on contract status. Bean could be very good but we don't know yet. Foegele's the best of both worlds: already in the NHL and with full team control for two more seasons, at least.

Why would trochek be a contractual concern for Seattle. They are not going to want to be tied down to long term contracts early on, their cap flexibility is going to be one of their biggest strengths. Cap flexibility was very important for Vegas in the first few years until they put themselves in cap jail. I do think the canes end up going 7-3-1

Peg declines. With Heinola and Slamberg graduating we have no use for Skjei, and currently no protection spot for Skjei.

I think Samberg and Heinola could both be great trade chips for someone like Mitch Marner, if Laine truly wants out of Winnipeg. And this deal would be completed after the expansion draft.

Protected fforwards will be: Aho Turbo Svech Troch Geekie Foegs and Jesper Fast. Hopefully Staal waives his clause.
From dmen: Hamilton Slavin Pesce. Bean or Skjei will leave but saw that coming.
Goalie: Ned - pretty simple - Jeremy Helvig meets exposure requirement.