As a Nashville Predators fan, I’m getting pretty nervous about the upcoming expansion draft. Why, you ask? Well, this is a pretty deep, talented roster. No two ways about it – the Preds will lose a good player to the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
So, can someone please tell me how this works? I’ve been scouring the internet for resources for what feels like DAYS. In actuality, it’s been a solid 15 minutes’ worth of research. But, I give up. My time is obviously super valuable. At this point, in turn, I’m handing this question over to our faithful readers. I know at least one of you is a knowledgeable hockey fan (shout out to RHog, 2017 SoBros Foosball Champion).
Who is and isn’t actually eligible for this shin dig?
Is Gnash eligible? He’s been the unheralded MVP of this team for YEARS now. Is David Poile eligible? I think he’s good, too. What about Lavy? I can’t imagine not seeing Lavy fist pumps after important victories any more. My God, can Las Vegas draft Tim McGraw? I NEED FUCKING ANSWERS. I can’t sleep.
It seems like all the talk in town is surrounding James Neal, Calle Jarnkrok, or Colin Wilson. As a Predators fan, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to state that I would prefer none of those players to go. But, who do you protect?
We’ve heard that the Preds will exercise the option to protect eight skaters and one goalie as opposed to seven forwards, three defensemen, and a goalie. I don’t know why we’re talking about goalies. Juuse Saros, I’m pretty sure, is 13 years old. Pekka Rinne has a no movement clause in his contract. I’ve found that much – unless that’s changed in the six months its been since that was published on On The Forecheck – but, can’t seem to find a definitive answer.
I don’t doubt that they’re going the “eight skaters” route so that they can protect P.K. Subban, Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis, and Mattias Ekholm. But, who after that? Ryan Johansen, Filip Forsberg, and Viktor Arvidsson seem like no-brainers…
That leaves one spot to save one of the following: Jarnkrok, Neal, Wilson, Craig Smith (who many believe to be a lock as well), Pontus Aberg (maybe? I don’t know if he’s eligible??), Colton Sissons, and of course, David Legwand.
Whew – that’s a tough call to make.
There’s always the option to trade, too. Like, “Hey, Las Vegas – here’s some draft picks – leave us alone and don’t pick James Neal!” We’ll see.
Regardless, I am highly concerned and sweaty right now.
Believe me, folks – this isn’t me thinking, “oh the dumb Southerner trying to figure out hockey could be funny.” This is me legitimately concerned that we’re going to lose the entire roster to Las Vegas. Send help.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. A strong advocate of GSD (get shit done) and #BeBetter, he’s down to talk Tennessee Titans and Alabama Crimson Tide football over a beer any day. Check him out covering the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley, @WrestlingNewsCo
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