Though, Seattle might end up taking Howden because he has the chance to be a plus faceoff guy down the line. Howden was 48% on draws the previous year. In the East which is by far the best faceoff division in hockey he was 46.6% which projects him to be over 50% IMO when there is a normal schedule. He's a good PK guy. Me, I'd take Gauthier if I was Seattle but I think they might take Howden.
Even with Gauthier being signed today? I'd be surprised. I liked how Blackwell played in the 2nd half of the season but at 28 years old vs 23 for Gauthier I think the Rangers protect Gauthier.
Most likely Gauthier, Rooney, or Blackwell goes. Thinking they'll protect Blackwell, so one of the first two. My money is on Gauthier going. Candidly, not a big loss no matter which player gets taken from the group.
There is no point in protecting Bitetto. Nice enough guy but totally replaceable. It would be great if the Kraken took D'Angelo but I don't see that happening.
Bitetto hasn't played enough games to be exposed or they would, so he'll be somewhere, likely the minors or a spare call-up..or dealt.
ahhh I see. Im pretty pumped for the expansion draft. Will be interesting to see who they take from each team. Vegas killed it in 2017 so Seattle has a high bar. When do the teams release their protected player list, tomorrow?
Today i believe was the day the lists are due so I'd guess tomorrow it'll be released. Hajek will be interesting, and hopefully they can protect him. Nothing to lose really in letting DA go in the draft as it may be tough to get much for him now. Doubt he'd be selected anyway unless Seattle flipped him for something.
Interesting, they protected Rooney leaving Goodrow, Blackwell, and Gauthier exposed. Must be a sign they feel good about signing Goodrow. So now it comes down to will Seattle take Blackwell or Gauthier? I lean Gauthier, especially with the Francis connection. Protection list: Buchnevich, Chytil, Kreider, Panarin, Rooney, Strome, Zibanejad, Hajek, Lindgren, Trouba, Georgiev. Exposed: Blackwell, Gauthier, DeAngelo, Kinkaid.
Honestly, Gauthier or DeAngelo are the two biggest upside guys to take. If both played well, they probably could get a first at some point in a deal. Especially for Gauthier because of his size. DeAngelo is much more proven than Gauthier. I would think he is a safer bet. Contending teams still need PP qb's.
Surprised they elected to protect Rooney. No chance D'Angelo is taken. What a huge favor to the Rangers that would be though. Looking forward to watching on Wednesday night!
So if the Rangers sign him before the draft do they have to replace him on the exposed list, or is the signing window done until the 28th?
No, he would be no different than any other exposed player currently under contract. It would be a surprise to me if Seattle selected Goodrow just to have a week of exclusive negotiating rights, but anything is possible. I would also doubt the Rangers would sign him before Wednesday, otherwise they would have protected him I'd think. Even if they have something potentially worked out I'd think it would be announced post Wednesday's draft.
Some rumor out there of Gauthier/ Hajek/3rd for Giordano($ retained) once Seattle takes him, and they would select someone other than Blackwell. Something to that effect.