What in the world is happening with the NHL expansion draft?
By Jim James
I don’t know about you, dear readers, but I am very intrigued for the NHL expansion draft that sees the 32nd team – the Seattle Kraken – get introduced to the league. Now, most expansion teams, barring the Golden Knights in 2017, start out slow.
The situation in Seattle is seemingly different. Stars such as Carey Price, Alex Ovetchkin, Vlad Tarasenko, & Gabe Landeskog have been exposed. Why? Let’s take a look at the top 5 exposed players for the expansion draft and why they may have been exposed.
#5: Mark Giordano; Reason: Age
Mark Giordano is a testament to all undrafted players. He signed with the Flames after going undrafted, became a great player, one of the best to ever play on that team, but his career on the Flames could come to an end on Wednesday. The Flames’ captain, unfortunately, is just old. He’s 37, turning 38 when the season starts, and his $4 million is just not worth keeping anymore. The Kraken, however, may be willing to take a chance, and have one last dance for the defenseman.
#4: Ryan Johanson; Reason: Too expensive
Sure, Ryan Johanson is good & all, but he’s just too expensive. He has still $24 million due for the next 3 years, and with the focus on Matt Duchene, the Preds just don’t really need him anymore.
#3: Vlad Tarasenko; Reason: No Need
The St.Louis Blues are like the Raptors of the NHL. A recent ‘chip, but now, they’re on the rebuilding show. With ageing stars and a few promising drafts ahead, the Blues just don’t really need Tarasenko anymore, and who knows, maybe they can re-sign him in 2023.
#2: Carey Price; Reason: ??????????????
Ok. You got me. I have no clue why the Canadiens, a Stanley Cup team, didn’t protect Price. He has a reasonable contract, it isn’t expiring, they need him. It is a mystery.
#1: Alex Ovetchkin; Reason: Expiring
The Caps are going to beat the system here, Ovi may technically become a Kraken on Wednesday, but his contract expires this summer, and he & the Capitals want to keep on going.
Those are the top 5 players exposed players and why they are exposed. The Kraken also have the #2 pick, they will be one of the best expansion teams, in my opinion, so watch out, NHL. This is Jim James signing off.