idk how i feel about that giardano pickup. does calgary let him go?

I think that the sabres will convince skinner to waive his NMC. He won’t get picked anyway so they can protect Asplund. If not Asplund would be protected over Thompson.

I dont think they protect him, but I do think they will end up making a deal to ensure Seattle does not take him. I did this assuming there are no trades made.

Fair. I wasnt sure between Bjork, Thompson and Asplund for the last 2 spots.

Man you're hilarious thinking this would happen. Lauzon, Giordano, Johansen, Vanecek, Dunn, gourde, greenway, and Fleury would all not be available.

Assuming no trades made with Seattle to allow for extra protection, please let me know what you do

Kings aren't going to protect Brown or Lizotte. They will protect Moore and Grundstrom.

Thats fair. I protected Brown because of how well he has played and because I am sure LAK wants to keep some veterans around as they field a very young team. I also had Grundstrom over Lizotte for the longest time, but Lizotte has really picked it up as of late. I think he is slightly more valuable because he plays C. Also, Wagner and Grundstrom play a very similar style, and the team recently added Lemieux, so they still have a big body and physicality even if they lose one. That was my thought process for LAK.

Honestly, with the plethora of top-quality centers in the Kings system, it's 50/50 right now whether or not Lizotte gets traded prior to the expansion draft. He tries really hard, but has the lowest ceiling of all the centers on the roster right now. He doesn't have a spot in this team's future. If they do decide to protect him for some reason, it's going to be at the expense of Andersson, not Grundstrom. The Kings are really high on Grundstrom. The Grundstrom-JAD-Moore line has been one of the highlights of this season. They're going to want to bring that back next season.

As for Brown, he is one of the veteran leaders on the team, but I don't think they're going to waste a protection slot on a guy that is turning 37 soon and in the final year of his contract. If Seattle does take him, the Kings will just let him know that he's welcome to return after the expansion season on a new contract. I fully expect Brown to play another 2 to 3 seasons after his current deal expires. He's the type of player that can fit anywhere in the lineup.

I think its wishful thinking. But if Ullmark refuses to sign an extension, the draft is only a few days away from free agency, just exposes Ullmark and Risto (protect Borgen) I think 1 of those will be enticing enough for Seattle to take

I hope the Rangers protect Gauthier over Blackwell... sure Blackwell's on pace for a 50 pt season in an 82 game season, but Gauthier has the higher upside. Being held out of the lineup because he can't crack the top 9. Can see them protecting or exposing him 50/50.

Why are all Sabres fans so high on Borgen? I havent seen much of him, but he doesnt even play much so I am a little surprised.