Why would you protect 3 RD with Seider coming in? If Lindstrom is protected then Stecher is the odd man out, It would be Hronek, Cholowski and Lindstrom getting protected.

I'm starting to think they protect hronek, lindstrom and cholo and expose stecher. Mostly just because theyre so light on the left with only ddk under contract and no one in the system ready to step up.

I would protect svech over smith \_(:/)_/

In general so vital to protect youth as priority

Especially when rebuilding

Glad to see it here mostly ✔

Why would you protect an injury riddled Svech over a hard hitting 3rd/4th liner in Smith? I give it 2 years and Svech is probably out of the league he's better off in the KHL then the NHL.

Svech isn't THAT bad

That’s a fair take. Looking at it from a value perspective I was protecting Stecher. Do we project Cholowski ever being a starting dman with the club? Can one RHD not move to the left side?

I honestly don't think it's even going to matter who is protected, because I think Yzerman is going to broker a deal with Seattle to take Panik.

What do you figure he has to give up for that to happen?

Not much to be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if Seattle targeted Panik as it was. A B- asset in addition should get it done (3rd round pick or someone like Brome)

Yeah but if you leave Namestnikov unprotected it doesn't matter because he is a far better option for a team trying to compete right out of the gate.

I think it's more likely he buys him out. His buyout is really team friendly.

I'm of the mindset that it doesn't make sense to buyout any contracts they currently have. With the cap space they have, it's much better to ride the contracts out, than to have dead money in future seasons.

The only argument I can see for buying out any contract, is if it's done as a courtesy to the player. If they still want to play and want a chance at a PTO elsewhere, as opposed to basically being forced into early retirement by just being waived and told to stay home. I genuinely believe that's the only reason Abs was bought out.

Panik was asking for more ice time in Washington, I don't believe the Wings will have it for him next year so that's why I'm thinking buyout. Plus like I said the buyout is really mild.

All the more reason to broker a deal for Seattle to take him!