First, let me clarify that I am a St. Louis Blues fan. I don't watch the rest of the NHL, just my team in hockey. That said, I like making these sort of drafts, because I find these exercises to sort of be fun. So let's get into it.
There are a lot of directions to go in this draft. Do I draft Carey Price and take on his massive contract, and fill the roster with cheap options? Do I draft cheap players and then try to splurge in free agency on Alex Ovechkin? Or do I draft a well-balanced roster with the salary cap I have, even if I have to potentially omit drafting Price to stay under the cap? Also, do I draft fan favorite, but the oft-injured, skilled scoring winger, Vladimir Tarasenko or draft a young defenseman on the rise in Vince Dunn?
There are a lot of options, and we’ll need to consider which ones are viable moving forward, as the expansion draft will be held on July 21st.
My rules are to stick to picking the people with the checkmarks, and do not draft anyone who will be an impending unrestricted free agent (UFA).
Also, this rule would save me time from having to do extra research on extra players while I have such limited time to read up on players that are available for the expansion draft. I may make exceptions for a few players. You’ll see when you read the article.
To mainly base my decisions, I used a two-year model to analyze players that are available in the expansion draft. Just to remember, it’s a hard capped league, so you can’t build the most expensive and talented team and spend $100 million on players and go over the budget. If you go over the budget, you gotta trim some salary.
Also, just a warning, I only watch the St. Louis Blues when I watch hockey games, so…if my picks aren’t perfect, I apologize, because I’m not as well read about the rest of the hockey league as I am with my own NHL team.
After doing a lot of research on
Cap Friendly and
Hockey-Reference over the past couple of days, here is my step-by-step process of how I made these picks. For those that want to avoid reading the boring, nitty-gritty details, you can skip all the way down to the roster picks I made for the mock expansion draft that will be all the way at the bottom of this article.
Anaheim Ducks’ Candidates (8)
Kevin Shattenkirk, 32-year old right defenseman, $3.9M UFA 2023, shoots right
Past 2 Yrs: 125 GP, 10 G, 39 A, 49 PTS, +14, 66 PIM, 19:55 MIN, won a cup with 2020 TBL
Even Strength: 53.1 Corsi%, 32.1 PTS, +9.2
Anthony Stolarz, 27-year old goalie, $750k, 2023 UFA
Past 2 Yrs: 9 GP, 4-4-0, 2.18 GAA, 92.9 SV%
Hayden Fleury, 25-year old defenseman, $1.3M 2022 RFA, shoots left
Past 2 Yrs: 92 GP, 7 G, 11 A, 18 PTS, -14, 16 PIM, 14:33 MIN
Even Strength: 52.7 Corsi%, Per 82: 16 Pts, -12.5
Adam Henrique, 31-year old center, $5.825M – 2024 UFA
Past 2 yrs: 116 GP, 38 G, 26 A, 64 PTS, -11, 33 PIM, 16:27 MIN,
Even Strength: 51.7 Corsi%, 45 PTS/82G, -7.8
Sonny Milano, 25-year old left winger, $1.7M 2022 RFA
Past 2 Yrs: 61 GP, 7 G, 16 A, 23 PTS, -7, 26 PIM, 13:16 MIN
Even Strength: 49.6 Corsi%, per 82: 31 pts, -9.4
Danton Heinen (RFA), 26-year old left winger, $2.8M 2021 RFA
Past 2 Yrs: 110 GP, 17 G, 23 A, 40 PTS, -11, 10 PIM, 14:37 MIN
Even Strength: 48 Corsi%, per 82: 30 PTS, -8.2
Alexander Volkov, 23-year old left winger, $700k, RFA 2022
Past 2 Yrs: 28 GP, 3 G, 3 A, 6 PTS, -4, 10 PIM, 9:46 MIN
Even Strength: 43.6 Corsi%, per 82: 17.6 PTS, -11.7
Jacob Larsson, 24-year old defenseman, $1.2M, 2022 RFA, shoots left
Past 2 Yrs: 106 GP, 3 G, 15 A, 18 PTS, -18, 26 PIM, 16:41 MIN
Even Strength: 41.9 Corsi%, per 82: 14 pts, -14
Remaining Candidates (5)
In my analysis, in eliminating all impending UFAs, it seems that are four solid candidates to consider from the Anaheim Ducks’ pool.
Kevin Shattenkirk is a right-handed defenseman that has shown solid offensive skills and puck possession skills, and he played well enough to help the 2020 Tampa Bay Lightning win the Stanley Cup.
Anthony Stolarz played very well in the limited minutes he played in the NHL, but he’s been blocked by John Gibson. Because of that, it’s hard to tell if he’s actually a good backup goalie, or if he played very well due to small sample size.
Haydn Fleury is a young, puck possession-oriented defenseman that excels at puck control, but his play hasn’t exactly translated into strong statistics elsewhere.
Adam Henrique is a veteran center that can score the puck, and he also is fairly good at puck possession, but he is on a bloated contract, and there could be similar players that could be had for cheaper, or there could more talented players that are similar to him.
Sonny Milano is a young left winger that has shown some offensive skills and puck possession metrics, but he didn’t really stand out at any one thing.
The Likely Pick: Kevin Shattenkirk.
Group Priority: Upper Medijum
Arizona Coyotes’ Candidates (6)
Josef Korenar, 23, G, $723,333 RFA (2022)
Past 2 Yrs: 10 GP, 3-5-0, 3.17 GAA, 89.9 SV%
Tyler Pitlick, 29, RW, $1.75M, UFA 2022
Past 2 Yrs: 101 GP, 14 G, 17 A, 31 PTS, +10, 28 PIM, 13:40 MIN
Even Strength: 46.7 Corsi%, per 82: 25.2 Pts, +8.2
Ilya Lyubushkin, 27, RD, $1M, UFA 2022 – right handed defenseman
Past 2 Yrs: 93 GP, 1 G, 5 A, 6 PTS, -9, 28 PIM, 14:52 MIN
Even Strength: 47.9 Corsi%
Christian Fischer, 24, RW, $1M, RFA2022
Past 2 Yrs: 108 GP, 9 G, 11 A, 20 PTS, -8, 22 PIM, 11:51 MIN
Even Strength: 43.6 Corsi%, per 82: 16 pts, -6
John Hayden, 26, C, $750k, RFA2021
Past 2 Yrs: 72 GP, 5 G, 4 A, 9 PTS, -6, 114 PIM, 9:46 MIN
Even Strength: 40.5 Corsi%
Frederik Gauthier, 26, C, $700k, RFA(2021)
Past 2 Yrs: 63 GP, 7 G, 5 A, 12 PTS, -4, 12 PIM, 9:18 MIN
Even Strength: 40.4 Corsi%
Remaining Candidates (2)
There seem to be two candidates worth keeping on this list. Josef Korenar is a cheap goalie that shows the potential to be a backup goaltender in the NHL, and he is a young player that keeps the payroll down. Tyler Pitlick is a veteran forward that can be a gritty third liner, but he struggles at puck control, and is considerably more expensive. This might just be the worst team to choose from in this lot.
The Likely Pick: Josef Korenar (Likely the #4 goalie)
Group Priority: Low
Boston Bruins’ Candidates (8)
Jeremy Lauzon, 24 D, $850k, RFA2022 – Left shot
Past 2 Yrs: 60 GP, 2 G, 8 A, 10 PTS, +13, 69 PIM, 17:40 MIN
Even Strength: 50.1 Corsi%, per 82: 14 pts, +18
Jakub Zboril, 24, LD, $725k, RFA 2022 – Left shot
Past 2 Yrs: 44 GP, 0 G, 9 A, 9 PTS, +0, 16:46 MIN
Even Strength: 53.2 Corsi%, per 82: 17 pts, +0
Ondrej Kase, 25, RW, $2.6M, RFA 2021
Past 2 Yrs: 58 GP, 7 G, 17 A, 24 PTS, -7, 14 PIM, 16:08 MIN
Even Strength: 55.5 Corsi%, per 82: 34 Pts, -10
Nick Ritchie, 25, LW, $1.5M, RFA 2021
Past 2 Yrs: 104 GP, 24 G, 23 A, 47 PTS, -6, 134 PIM, 14:49 MIN
Even Strength: 58 Corsi%, 37 PTS, -5
Connor Clifton, 26, D, $1M, UFA 2023 – Right shot
Past 2 Yrs: 75 GP, 3 G, 6 A, 9 PTS, +14, 50 PIM, 16:39 MIN
Even Strength: 48.2% Corsi, per 82: 10 pts, +15
Callum Booth, 24, G, $700k, RFA 2021
No NHL Experience
AHL (Career): 16 GP, 8-3-1, 2.50 GAA, 90.7 SV%
Chris Wagner, 30, RW, $1.35M UFA 2023
Past 2 Yrs: 108 GP, 8 G, 7 A, 15 PTS, -17, 71 PIM, 12:09 MIN
Even Strength: 45.1 Corsi%
Curtis Lazar, 26, $800k, UFA2022
Past 2 Yrs: 88 GP, 12 G, 11 A, 23 PTS, -9, 15 PIM, 12:41 MIN
Even Strength: 45.9 Corsi%
Remaining Candidates (5)
Nick Ritchie and Ondrej Kase are very good puck possession, oriented forwards. Ritchie can put the puck in the net and also dish out assists, and Kase is more of a set up man that will rack up assists.
Lauzon and Zboril are solid, puck possession oriented defense that also defend well, but neither of them are that strong offensively right now, and neither are threats to score goals. Connor Clifton is a defensive defenseman, but he doesn’t control the puck nearly as well as the other two.
On the downside, Nick Ritchie will be a restricted free agent this year, so he will need to be re-signed, so this de-incentivizes the idea of picking him. As he’s not technically under contract, selecting him may prevent me from being able to take a chance at the higher end guys.
Ondrej Kase had stellar numbers over the course of two seasons, but he played just three games in the 2020-21 NHL season. Therefore, this may lead me to select a defenseman here, as it may be a better buy to get one of the cheaper defensemen to fill out a role.
The likely pick: Jeremy Lauzon
Group Priority: Medium
Buffalo Sabres’ Candidates (6)
Dustin Tokarski, 31, G, $725k, UFA 2022
2 Past Yrs: 13 GP, 2-8-2, 3.54 GAA, 90.4 SV%
Zemgus Girgensons, 27, C, $2.2M, UFA 2023
2 Past Yrs: 141 GP, 17 G, 20 A, 37 PTS, -12, 27 PIM, 13:42 MIN
Even Strength: 48.7 Corsi%, per 82: 22 pts, -7
Colin Miller, 28, RD, $3.875M, UFA 2022 – right shot
2 Past Yrs: 99 GP, 5 G, 18 A, 23 PTS, -29, 49 PIM, 17:33 MIN
Even Strength: 49 Corsi%, per82: 19 pts, -24
Jeff Skinner, 29, LW, $9M, UFA 2027
2 Past Yrs: 102 GP, 21 G, 16 A, 37 PTS, -33, 32 PIM, 15:34
Even Strength: 49.5 Corsi%, per 82: 30 pts, -27
Kyle Okposo, 33, RW, $6M, UFA 2023
2 Past Yrs: 87 GP, 11 G, 21 A, 32 PTS, -4, 28 PIM, 13:16 MIN
Even Strength: 48.3 Corsi%, per 82: 30 pts, -4
Cody Eakin, 30, C $2.25M, UFA 2022
2 Past Yrs: 95 GP, 8 G, 14 A, 22 PTS, -12, 30 PIM, 13:47 MIN
Even Strength: 45.2 Corsi%, per 82: 19 pts, -10
The remaining candidates (3)
Even though Skinner and Okposo still possess some decent scoring skills, they have not produced nearly as well relative to the bloated contracts that they are being paid, and because I would not want to pay them at those ridiculous rates, they get thrown off he list. Eakin also didn’t meet the metrics I wanted, so he didn’t make the cut, eiter.
Colin Miller is a right-handed defenseman that showed off reasonably decent puck possession metrics for someone that played in Buffalo, but his contract is fairly hefty.
Zemgus Girgensons is paid at a more affordable rate, and while he has not produced nearly as well as his name brand may suggest, as he is a one-time All-Star, he does have decent puck possession metrics for a Buffalo player, and he is much more cost effective than either Skinner or Okposo.
Dustin Tokarski didn’t have a great goals against average, but he was peppered with shots, and he is a cheap goalie that has shown that he can be a backup goalie in the NHL.
The likely pick: Dustin Tokarski
Group Priority: Medium
Calgary Flames’ candidates (6)
Mark Giordano, 37, LD, $6.75M, UFA 2022 – left shot
2 Past Years: 116 GP, 14 G, 43 A, 57 PTS, +7, 48 PIM, 23:26
Even Strength: 53 Corsi%, per82: 40 pts, +5
Brett Ritchie, 28, RW, $700k, UFA 2022
2 Past Years: 59 GP, 6 G, 8 A, 14 PTS, -8, 45 PIM, 10:56
Even Strength: 53 Corsi%, per 82: 19 pts, -11
Oliver Kylington, 24, LD, $787.5k, RFA 2021 – left shot
2 Past Years: 50 GP, 2 G, 6 A, 8 PTS, -7, 16 PIM, 13:38
Even Strength: 48.8 Corsi%, per 82: 13 pts, -12
Dominik Simon, 26, RW, $700k, RFA 2021
2 Past Years: 75 GP, 7 G, 15 A, 22 PTS, -9, 12 PIM, 13:42
Even Strength: 52.7 Corsi%, per82: 24 pts, -10
Milan Lucic, 33, LW, $5.25M UFA 2023
2 Past Years: 124 GP, 18 G, 25 A, 43 PTS, -14, 100 PIM, 13:28
Even Strength: 50.6 Corsi%, per 82: 28 pts, -9
Tyler Parsons, 23, G, $735k, RFA 2021
No NHL experience
AHL Career: 28 GP, 10-13-2, 3.90 GAA, 88.8 SV%
Remaining Candidates (5)
Mark Giordano is a very skilled defenseman that has leadership qualities, and he does just about everything well. The only iffy thing about him is he’s on a very expensive, lucrative contract, but he has one year left on his deal, so it’s moveable if necessary.
Brett Ritchie is a muck and grinder that can also control the puck, and he’s a cost-effective winger, but he doesn’t play very much and is not noted for his defense.
Dominik Simon has similar skills to Brett Ritchie. Simon may have a little more offensive skills, but he will be a restricted free agent, so he could be due for a bigger contract, which makes him a worse candidate to get than Ritchie.
Oliver Kylington was a highly regarded prospect once, and while he hasn’t exactly shown as much in the NHL, he has shown some promising puck control skills for a fairly, young defenseman. He’s nowhere on Giordano’s level, and he probably will never be, but he is on a cheap contract.
Milan Lucic was once a very solid and skilled power forward that has won a Stanley Cup, and he is a power forward that can control the puck, but he has not scored like he used to, and he is on an expensive contract for multiple years. That makes him an unattractive option to select, especially with Giordano and others out there as candidates to select.
The likely pick: Mark Giordano
Group Priority: Upper Medium
Carolina Hurricanes’ candidates (7)
Morgan Geekie, 22, C, $763.3k, RFA 2022
2 Past Yrs: 38 GP, 6 G, 7 A, 13 PTS, +4, 12 PIM, 9:54
Even Strength: 53.5 Corsi%, per 82: 28 pts, +9
Nino Niederreiter, 28, LW, $5.25M UFA 2022
2 Past Yrs: 123 GP, 31 G, 32 A, 63 PTS, +17, 71 PIM, 15:14
Even Strength: 56.8 Corsi%, per82: 42 PTS, +11
Steven Lorentz, 25, C, $725k, RFA 2022
2 Past Yrs: 45 GP, 2 G, 6 A, 8 PTS, +1, 8 PIM, 10:26
Even Strength: 52.5 Corsi%, per 82: 15 pts, +2
Jake Bean, 23, LD, $863.3k RFA 2021- left shot
2 Past Yrs: 44 GP, 1 G, 11 A, 12 PTS, -2, 12 PIM, 14:16
Even Strength: 52.0 Corsi%, per 82: 22 pts, -4
Jake Gardiner, 31, LD, $4.05M UFA 2023
2 Past Yrs: 94 GP, 4 G, 28 A, 32 PTS, -25, 41 PIM, 16:29
Even Strength: 54.8 Corsi%, 28 pts, -22
Jeremy Helvig, 24, G, $762k, RFA 2021
No NHL experience
Career 89.6 SV% in the AHL
Dylan Wells, 23, G, $745k, RFA 2021
No NHL experience
Career 89.8 SV% in the AHL
Remaining candidates (5)
At first glance, Nino Niederreiter would be really tempting to get. He is a solid two-way forward that has strong puck possession metrics. On the other hand, he is on a fairly expensive contract, and he is a second-tier forward that tops out as that.
Morgan Geekie is a talented young center that has played very well in the NHL when he has been up here, and he projects to be a solid mid-tier center that can score, defend, and control the puck. That he is also a young player on a very cheap contract makes him quite an interesting option to select in the expansion draft.
Steven Lorentz has good puck control metrics, and he also can defend, but he hasn’t scored nearly as well as Geekie, and he’s also several years older, so his upside may not be as high.
Jake Bean is a puck control defenseman that has some scoring skills, but he didn’t seem to defend as well as the others, and he will be an RFA, so he may have to be paid more than his listed amount, which probably makes him not as good of an option to select here.
Jake Gardiner is a veteran that has solid puck control metrics, and he can dish out assists, but he’s struggled defensively, and he is on a fairly sizable contract.
I have it between Niederreiter and Geekie, but I may go with Geekie here, so that I can pursue higher-end players with my other picks.
The likely pick: Morgan Geekie
Group Priority: High
Chicago Blackhawks (7)
Malcolm Subban, 27, G, $850k, UFA 2022
Past 2 Yrs: 37 GP, 15-15-4, 3.19 GAA, 89.5 SV%
Adam Gaudette, 24, C, $950k, RFA 2021
Past 2 Yrs: 109 GP, 17 G, 27 A, 44 PTS, -22, 49 PIM, 11:53
Even Strength: 46.3 Corsi%, per 82: 33 pts, -17
Ryan Carpenter, 30 RW, $1M, UFA 2022
Past 2 Yrs: 109 GP, 7 G, 13 A, 20 PTS, -16, 47 PIM, 13:34
Even Strength: 49 Corsi%, per 82: 15 pts, -13
Brett Connolly, 29 RW, $3.5M, UFA 2023
Past 2 Yrs: 100 GP, 22 G, 17 A, 39 PTS, +0, 30 PIM, 13:46
Even Strength: 52.2 Corsi%, per 82: 32 pts, +0
Nikita Zadorov, 26, D, $3.2M, RFA 2021
Past 2 Yrs: 119 GP, 5 G, 16 A, 21 PTS, +7, 101 PIM, 18:26
Even Strength: 47.3 Corsi%, per 82 games: 14 pts, +5
Collin Delia, 27, G, $1M, UFA 2022
Past 2 Yrs: 6 GP, 1-3-1, 3.59 GAA, 90.2 SV%
Delia’s only played 6 games in the past two seasons, and he’s allowed a lot of goals in that small sample size. His save percentage is higher, but his alarmingly high goals against average combined with his higher price tag might make me shy away from picking him.
Calvin De Haan, 30, D, $4.55M, UFA 2022
Past 2 Yrs: 73 GP, 2 G, 14 A, 16 PTS, -6, 24 PIM, 19:07
Even Strength: 46.9 Corsi%
Remaining Candidates (5)
Talk about slim pickings in this group.
At first glance, the strongest candidate may be Brett Connolly, as he is a third liner that can score and has decent puck possession skills. However, he didn’t play well this past season, and he is on a sizable contract that lasts for multiple years, which seems to be a bit unappetizing.
Malcolm Subban has not played well in the NHL, but he is a journeyman goaltender that is on a cheap contract.
Adam Gaudette is a young forward that can put the puck in the net, but his puck control skills are fairly average for a player on a bad team, and he hasn’t defended well in this league. Further more, he’ll be a restricted free agent, so the price to sign him could prevent me from getting higher-end players if I were to keep him.
Ryan Carpenter has fairly decent puck control skills for a guy that’s been on a bad team, but he doesn’t really do much else well.
Lastly, Zadorov is a defensive defenseman that has some puck control skills, but he doesn’t have much offensive skills, and he’ll be a restricted free agent as well.
The likely pick: Malcolm Subban (Likely the #3 goalie)
Group Priority: Low
Colorado Avalanche’s Candidates (6)
Jacob MacDonald, 28, LD, $725k, UFA 2022 – Left Shot
Past 2 Yrs: 33 GP,1 G, 8 A, 9 PTS, +14, 8 PIM, 14:57
Even Strength: 60.9 Corsi%, per 82: 22 pts, +35
Joonas Donskoi, 29, RW, $3.9M, UFA 2023
Past 2 Yrs: 116 GP, 33 G, 31 A, 64 PTS, +16, 36 PIM, 15:30
Even Strength: 50.7 Corsi%, per82: 45 pts, +11
J.T. Compher, 26, RW, $3.5M, UFA 2023
Past 2 Yrs: 115 GP, 21 G, 28 A, 49 PTS, +19, 37 PIM, 15:41
Even Strength: 50 Corsi%, per82: 35 pts, +13.5
Erik Johnson, 33, RD, $6M, UFA 2023
Past 2 Yrs: 63 GP, 3 G, 14 A, 17 PTS, +11, 22 PIM, 16:48
Even Strength: 50.2 Corsi%, per82: 22 pts, +14
Jonas Johansson, 25 G, $700k, RFA 2022
21 GP, 6-9-3, 2.89 GAA, 89.6 SV%
Hunter Miska, 26, G, $725k, RFA 2022
1-1-2, 4.16 GAA, 83.8 SV%
Remaining Candidates (5)
MacDonald played very well this past season, but he doesn’t really have a track record of success, as he’s only had one good year in the NHL so far. On the other hand, he’s on a very cost controlled salary.
Joonas Donskoi is a solid offensive player that can score, defend, and control the puck, but he’s making quite a bit of money. J.T. Compher is a few years younger, but he doesn’t quite score nearly as well as Donskoi, and he makes around the same amount.
The Likely Pick: Jacob MacDonald
Group Priority: High
Columbus Blue Jackets’ Candidates (4)
Max Domi, 26, C, $5.3M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 125 GP, 26 G, 42 A, 68 PTS, -21, 110 PIM, 16:17
Even Strength: 50.7 Corsi%, per82: 45 pts, -14
Kevin Stenlund, 24, RW, $874k, RFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 64 GP, 11 G, 9 A, 20 PTS, -2, 16 PIM, 13:15
Even Strength: 48.1 Corsi%, per82: 26 pts, -3
Dean Kukan, 28, RD, $1.65M, UFA 2022 – left shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 68 GP, 2 G, 8 A, 10 PTS, -12, 22 PIM, 15:01
Even Strength: 48.6 Corsi%, per82: 12 pts, -14
Cam Johnson, 27, G, 700k, UFA 2022
No NHL Experience
Remaining Candidates (2)
I have it down to Domi and Stenlund. Domi is a skilled offensive player that excels at passing and puck control. Stenlund is a young, cost-controlled winger that has some scoring and puck possession skills. Stenlund’s not nearly as good as Domi, but he’s not nearly as expensive, either.
The Likely Pick: Kevin Stenlund
Group Priority: Medium
Dallas Stars’ Candidates (6)
Ben Bishop, 34, G, $4.92M, UFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: 44 GP, 21-16-4, 2.50 GAA, 92 SV%
Missed all of 2020-21 NHL season due to a knee injury
Joel Hanley, 30, LD, $700k, UFA 2023 – left shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 43 GP, 0 G, 10 A, 10 PTS, +6, 8 PIM, 12:43
Even Strength: 55.3 Corsi%, per82: 19 pts, +15
Tanner Kero, 28, C, 763k, UFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: 39 GP, 3 G, 7 A, 10 PTS, +0, 6 PIM, 10:36
Even Strength: 49.7 Corsi%, per82: 21 pts, +0
Andrej Sekera, 35, D, $1.5M, UFA 2022 – Left shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 103 GP, 5 G, 8 A, 13 PTS,+21, 18 PIM, 16:57
Even Strength: 48.9 Corsi%, per82: 10 pts, +17
Blake Comeau, 35, LW, $2.4M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs:106 GP, 12 G, 18 A, 30 PTS, -19, 73 PIM, 15:20
Even Strength: 49.9 Corsi%, per82: 23 pts, -15
Colton Point, 23, G, $925k, RFA 2021
Prv 2 Yrs: No NHL Experience
Remaining Candidates (4)
There seems to be four interesting candidates in this pool when the dust settles. Ben Bishop had a really good 2020 season, and he is a 2-time All-Star goaltender that has been an elite goalie when healthy. On the other hand, he missed this past season due to a knee injury.
Joel Hanley is a solid puck control defenseman that defends well, and he and Kero are both on cost controlled contracts. Andrej Sekera is a solid defensive defenseman, but he doesn’t have much offensive skills and is an aging vet that may already be on the decline.
With this in mind, good goalies are hard to find. Why not try to swing for the fences and draft Ben Bishop? Unless if other very good goalies are out there.
The Likely Pick: Ben Bishop
Group Priority: Medium
Detroit Red Wings’ Candidates (6)
Troy Stecher, 27, RD, $1.7M, UFA 2022 – right shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 103 GP, 8 G, 20 A, 28 PTS, -3, 44 PIM
Even Strength: 47.5 Corsi%, per 82: 22 PTS, -2
Vladislav Namestnikov, 28 RW, $2M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 118 GP, 25 G, 23 A, 48 PTS, -10, 69 PIM
Even Strength: 44.7 Corsi%, per 82: 33 pts, -7
Kaden Fulcher, 22, G, $733k, RFA 2022
1 NHL game in his career, 82 SV%
AHL - Career 90.5 SV%
Danny DeKeyser, 31, LD, $5M, UFA 2022 – left shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 56 GP, 4 G, 12 A, 16 PTS, +3, 22 PIM, 18:40
Even Strength: 43.1 Corsi%, per 82: 23 pts, +4.4
Too expensive for a guy with poor Corsi and puck control metrics.
Christian Djoos, 26, LD, $1M, RFA 2021
Prv 2 Yrs: 47 GP, 3 G, 11 A, 14 PTS, -10, 14 PIM
Even Strength: 49 Corsi%, per 82: 24 pts, -17
Frans Nielsen, 37, C, $5.25M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 89 GP, 5 G, 10 A, 15 PTS, -16, 8 PIM, 13:11
Even Strength: 45 Corsi%, per 82:
Remaining candidates (3)
It’s hard to find a right-handed defenseman, and Troy Stecher is one. He’s a run of the mill defenseman, but he’s on a manageable contract.
Vladislav Namestnikov is a decent offensive player, but he doesn’t rate well defensively or in the puck control metrics
Kaden Fulcher is young, but he’s also a very inexperienced goaltender that has only played in one NHL game in his career..
The likely pick: Troy Stecher
Group Priority: Low
Edmonton Oilers’ Candidates (9)
Kyle Turris, 31 C, $1.65M, UFA 2022
2 Yrs: 89 GP, 11 G, 25 A, 36 PTS, -20, 32 PIM, 14:29
Even Strength: 48.5 Corsi%, per 82: 33 pts, -18
James Neal, 33 RW, $5.75M, UFA 2023
2 Yrs: 84 GP, 24 G, 17 A, 41 PTS, -22, 23 PIM, 14:51
Even Strength: 49.5 Corsi%, per 82: 40 pts, -21
Alex Stalock, 33 G, $785k, UFA 2022
2 Yrs: 20-11-4, 2.67 GAA, 91 SV%
Didn’t play in 2021
Dominik Kahun, 26 LW, $975k, RFA 2021
2 Yrs: 104 GP, 21 G, 25 A, 46 PTS, +5, 10 PIM
Even Strength: 48 Corsi%, per 82: 36 pts, +4
Oscar Klefbom, 27 LD, $4.2M, UFA 2023 – left shot
2 Yrs: 62 GP, 5 G, 29 A, 34 PTS, -17, 24 PIM, 25:25
Didn’t play in 2021, unlikely to play in 2022 – history of shoulder injuries
Even Strength: 46.7 Corsi%, per 82: 45 pts, -22
Mikko Koskinen, 33 G, $4.5M, UFA 2022
2 Yrs: 64 GP, 31-26-3, 2.92 GAA, 91 SV%, is 6-7
Kris Russell, 34 D, $4M, UFA 2022 – left shot
2 Yrs: 90 GP, 0 G, 18 A, 18 PTS, +0, 22 PIM, 17:25
Even Strength: 43.7 Corsi%, per 82:
Devin Shore, 27 LW, $700k, UFA 2023
2 Yrs: 83 GP, 10 G, 11 A, 21 PTS, -14, 14 PIM
Even Strength: 42.6 Corsi%, per 82:
Jujhar Khaira, 26 C, $1.2M, RFA 2021
2 Yrs: Not High enough
Even Strength: 44 ish Corsi%, per 82:
Remaining Candidates (4)
Dominik Kahun will be an RFA, so he may have to get substantially more money. While his puck control metrics are left to be desired, he is a solid, young two-way forward that could be worth giving more money to.
Alex Stalock has proven himself to be a capable backup goalie on a cheap contract, but he didn’t play in the NHL this past season.
Kyle Turris is a fairly solid offensive minded center that is on a reasonable contract, though he has fairly average puck control metrics. James Neal is a solid scorer that has decent puck control metrics, but his contract is way too expensive for a skilled, mid-tier veteran forward.
Oscar Klefbom is a gifted scoring defenseman, but his history of injuries and that he is not healthy would likely eliminate him from consideration. While Mikko Koskinen has proven to be a starting goalie, he’s way too average of a starter and too expensive to warrant being taken in this draft.
The Likely Pick: Dominik Kahun
Group Priority: Medium
Florida Panthers’ Candidates (8)
Frank Vatrano, 27 RW, $2.533M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 125 GP, 34 G, 26 A, 60 PTS, -16, 56 PIM, 14:48
Even Strength: 51.6 Corsi%, per 82: 39 pts, -10
Radko Gudas, 31 RD, $2.5M, UFA 2023 – right shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 117 GP, 4 G, 22 A, 26 PTS, +21, 80 PIM
Even Strength: 52.1 Corsi%, per 82: 18 pts, +15
Markus Nutivaara, 27, RD, $2.7M, UFA 2022 – left shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 67 GP, 3 G, 16 A, 19 PTS, +3, 16 PIM, 15:56
Even Strength: 51.5 Corsi%, per 82: 23 pts, +4
Noel Acciari, 29 RW, $1.667M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 107 GP, 24 G, 14 A, 38 PTS, +2, 30 PIM, 15:45
Even Strength: 47.1 Corsi%, per 82: 29 pts, +1.5
Samuel Montembeault, 24 G, $700k, RFA 2021
Prv 2 Yrs: 5-5-1, 3.34 GAA, 89 SV%
Lucas Wallmark, 25 C, $950k, RFA 2021
Prv 2 Yrs: 87 GP, 12 G, 16 A, 28 PTS, -4, 24 PIM, 12:28
Even Strength: 45.7 Corsi%, per 82: 26 pts, -4
Juho Lammikko, 25 C, $725k, RFA 2021
Prv 2 Yrs: 44 GP, 4 G, 1 A, 5 PTS, -8, 10 PIM
Even Strength: 45.5 Corsi%, per 82: 9 pts
Anton Stralman, 34, RD, $5.5M, UFA 2022 – right shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 107 GP, 8 G, 20 A, 28 PTS, -7, 22 PIM, 20:19
Even Strength: 47.8 Corsi%, per 82:
Chris Driedger, 27 G, 850k, UFA 2021
35 GP, 21-8-4, 2.06 GAA, 93 SV%
The Seattle Kraken are looking to add and sign Chris Driedger in real life, via The Score.
The Remaining Candidates (6)
I feel like, with my approach (if one were to avoid picking 2021 UFAs), it would be a four-way race between Noel Acciari, Frank Vatrano, Markus Nuutivaara, and Radko Gudas to be selected by the Seattle Kraken, and a strong case can be made for any one of them. But there are reports that the Kraken will opt to select Driedger and offer him a multi-year contract to sign him. Let me get to Driedger later in this article.
Noel Acciari is a decent two-way forward that is a very strong defender, as he managed to get Selke votes, but he doesn’t possess great puck control skills, and is likely topped out as an overall player.
Frank Vatrano is a young, skilled offensive minded winger, and he also has solid puck control skills. He is on a fairly sizable contract, but he has the skills to develop into a top two-line forward. Radko Gudas is a solid, right shot defenseman that controls the puck and defends well.
Markus Nuutivaara is a fairly solid two-way defenseman that has good puck control metrics, but he is a left shot defenseman, which is fairly common. While he is a decent all-around player, he doesn’t seem to stand out at any one thing and is on a fairly sizable contract.
Montembeault is a young goalie that has scant NHL experience, and he has not played well in this league so far. Lucas Wallmark is a decent offensive-minded center, but he doesn’t have great puck control metrics and will be an RFA, so he’ll likely command more money in the offseason.
Stralman is way too expensive to be picked, and he hasn’t been too productive lately, despite getting lots of ice time.
Now, normally I would stray away from picking 2021 UFAs, because they are impending free agents, and signing them would cost considerably more money than the price tag that they’re listed, if they are any good. But in analyzing Chris Driedger’s numbers, consider me on board with this pick.
Driedger did a tremendous job as Florida’s backup goalie, as he’s won a majority of his matches, and he sports a really nice 2.06 GAA and a 93 save percentage in his past two seasons. Even if the Kraken did pay him $3.5 million a year for the next three seasons, you might not get a better goaltender at such an affordable rate.
I otherwise would’ve picked Noel Acciari if I stuck to the no 2021 UFA rules, but I’ll break this rule to have the Kraken draft Driedger here. I’m on board with it, and I think it’s a good pick. As long as he doesn’t go south and end up like Matt Murray in Ottawa, though that could be a possibility. I like the pick, regardless of the inherent risk in picking goalies.
The Likely Pick: Chris Driedger
Group Priority: High
Los Angeles Kings’ Candidates (8)
Blake Lizotte, 23 C, $925k, RFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 106 GP, 9 G, 24 A, 33 PTS, -6, 36 PIM, 13:28
Even Strength: 53.5 Corsi%, per82: 25.5 pts, -4.6
Austin Wagner, 24 RW, $1.133M, RFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: 109 GP, 10 G, 9 A, 19 PTS, -19, 54 PIM
Even Strength: 52.4 Corsi%, per82: 14 pts, -14, 11:14
Carl Grundstrom, 23 LW, $725k, RFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 60 GP, 6 G, 9 A, 15 PTS, -8, 24 PIM
Even Strength: 48.7 Corsi%, per82: 20.5 pts, -11
Andreas Athanasiou, 26 C, $1.2M, RFA 2021
Prv 2 Yrs: 102 GP, 21 G, 28 A, 49 PTS, -52, 57 PIM
Even Strength: 50.3 Corsi%, per82: 39 pts, -42
Jonathan Quick, 35 G, $5.8M, UFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: 64 GP, 27-31-6, 2.81 GAA, 90.2 SV%
Olli Maatta, 26 LD, $3.333M, UFA 2022 – left shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 106 GP, 4 G, 17 A, 21 PTS, -8, 26 PIM
Even Strength: 48.4 Corsi%, per82:
Brendan Lemieux, 25 LW, $1.55M, RFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 108 GP, 10 G, 19 A, 29 PTS, -16, 184 PIM
Even Strength: 41.5 Corsi%, per82:
Kurtis MacDermid, 27 D, $875k, UFA 2022 – left shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 73 GP, 5 G, 7 A, 12 PTS, -23, 83 PIM
Even Strength: 45.3 Corsi%, per82:
The Remaining Candidates (4)
Talk about a shock here. The two most appetizing names on this list, Jonathan Quick and Olli Maatta actually played poorly in the past two seasons, and are on lucrative contracts, which would actually make them both bad selections in this expansion draft, most likely. So unfortunately, we won’t be picking them here.
Jonathan Quick is a former NHL champion that once dominated in the playoffs long ago, but right now, he’s just a name brand that is now on a very expensive contract, and that he hasn’t played too well in his past two seasons would make him a very risky pick here.
Much like Quick, Olli Maatta is a name brand at this stage, and when doing research, he actually hasn’t played very well in the past two seasons, so he would not be recommended to take here.
Brendan Lemieux…he’s another brand name, but just no. All of his metrics are pretty much terrible across the board. So, scratch him off the list.
Wait a minute. Well, we have to pick somebody. Who do we got, actually?
Blake Lizotte is a skilled, young player that can dish out assists, and he is a center that has good puck control skills. Austin Wagner is a young, puck control winger that can play on the back line. Carl Grundstrom has some scoring and puck control skills, and while he isn’t as polished as the other two, he’s on a cheaper contract.
Athanasiou is the most skilled forward out of the bench, as he has solid scoring skills, and he also has solid puck control skills. On the other hand, he’s not a great defender, and he’s also an RFA, so he’ll likely have to get paid more money to be on this team.
The Likely Pick: Blake Lizotte
Group Priority: Low
Team #15: Minnesota Wild’s Candidates (4)
Kaapo Kahkonen, 24 G, $725k, RFA 2022
Prv 2 Years: 29 GP, 19-9-1, 2.90 GAA, 90.4 SV%
Victor Rask 28 C, $4M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Years: 97 GP, 15 G, 21 A, 36 PTS, +8, 8 PIM, 12:41
Even Strength: 50.7 Corsi%, per82: 30 pts, +7
Nick Bjugstad, 29 C, $2.05M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Years: 57 GP, 7 G, 12 A, 19 PTS, +10, 25 PIM, 11:55
Even Strength: 46.4 Corsi%, per82: 27 pts, +14.4
Carson Soucy, 26 LD, $2.75M, UFA 2023 – left shot
Prv 2 Years: 105 GP, 8 G, 23 A, 31 PTS, +38, 69 PIM
Even Strength: 44.8 Corsi%, per82: 24 pts, +30
The remaining candidates (4)
There are four solid options here to draft from the Minnesota Wild. Kappo Kahkonen is a young goaltender that has certainly proved that he is worthy of playing in the NHL, and he could be a solid backup goalie with room to grow.
Victor Rask, though expensive, does just about everything fairly well, and he is a decent all-around center.
Nick Bjugstad is a solid two-way center, but doesn’t fare as well in the puck control metrics. On the other hand, he is a proven veteran that is considerably cheaper than the other veterans on this list.
Carson Soucy is a solid two-way defenseman that can really defend, but he didn’t fare nearly as well in the puck control game.
The Likely Pick: Nick Bjugstad
Group Priority: High
Montreal Canadiens’ candidates (6)
Jonathan Drouin, 26 LW, $5.5M, UFA 2023
Prv 2 Years: 71 GP, 9 G, 29 A, 38 PTS, -14, 34 PIM
Even Strength: 53.3 Corsi%, per82: 44 pts, -16
Paul Byron, 32 LW, $3.4M, UFA 2023
Prv 2 Years: 75 GP, 9 G, 17 A, 26 PTS, +10, 16 PIM
Even Strength: 51.3 Corsi%, per82: 28 pts, +11
Brett Kulak, 27 LD, $1.85M, UFA 2022 – left shot
Prv 2 Years: 102 GP, 2 G, 13 A, 15 PTS, +2, 32 PIM
Even Strength: 56.4 Corsi%, per82: 12 pts, +2
Shea Weber, 35 RD, $7.86M, UFA 2026
Prv 2 Years: 113 GP, 21 G, 34 A, 55 PTS, +4, 66 PIM
Even Strength: 54.1 Corsi%, per82: 40 pts, +3
Carey Price, 33 G, $10.5M, UFA 2026
Prv 2 Years: 39-32-11, 2.74 GAA, 90.7 SV%
Michael McNiven, 24 G, $700k, RFA 2021
Prv 2 Years: No NHL Experience
Remaining Candidates (5)
Jonathan Drouin is a very skilled, scoring forward that has very good puck control and passing skills, and he might be one of the most skilled, young forwards in this draft. Lucrative contract aside, there is a lot to like about the idea of drafting him for the Kraken.
Paul Byron is a solid role player that does just about everything well, but not elite. On the other hand, he is considerably cheaper than Drouin.
Brett Kulak might be the most sensible pick here, as he is a solid defenseman that controls the puck and defends well, and he is on the most reasonable contract among available NHL players to be taken from the Canadiens.
There’s no doubt that Shea Weber and Carey Price would be great additions to the Kraken, especially with Montreal having made a strong run to the Stanley Cup Finals this year.
As nice as it would be to get Shea Weber and Carey Price, they are on extremely expensive contracts, and they are both mid-30s players on really long term deals. As they may end up declining later on while still being under contract, it’d probably be not very wise to select either of them in the expansion draft, as tempting as it may be though.
The Likely Pick: Jonathan Drouin
Group Priority: Very High
Nashville Predators’ Candidates (11)
Calle Jarnkrok, 29 LW, $2M,UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 113 GP, 28 G, 34 A, 62 PTS, +17, 28 PIM
Even Strength: 49.8 Corsi%, per 82: 45 pts, +12
Ryan Johansen, 28 C, $8M, UFA 2025
Prv 2 Yrs: 116 GP, 21 G, 37 A, 58 PTS, -5, 67 PIM
Even Strength: 51.4 Corsi%, per 82: 41 pts, -3.5
Nick Cousins, 27 LW, $1.5M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 117 GP, 15 G, 28 A, 43 PTS, +4, 76 PIM
Even Strength: 53 Corsi%, per 82: 30 pts, +3
Rocco Grimaldi, 28 LW, $2M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 106 GP, 20 G, 24 A, 44 PTS, +7, 14 PIM
Even Strength: 50.9 Corsi%, per 82: 34 pts, +5
Matt Duchene, 30 C, $8M, UFA 2026
Prv 2 Yrs: 100 GP, 19 G, 36 A, 55 PTS, -16, 30 PIM
Even Strength: 54.3 Corsi%, per 82: 45 pts, -13
Yakov Trenin, 24 LW, $725k, RFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 66 GP, 7 G, 10 A, 17 PTS, +5, 31 PIM
Even Strength: 49 Corsi%, per 82: 21 pts, +6
Matthew Benning, 27 RD, $1M, UFA 2022 – right shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 96 GP, 2 G, 10 A, 12 PTS, +7, 45
Even Strength: 48 Corsi%, per 82: 10 pts, +6
Colton Sissons, 27 RW, $2.86M, UFA 2026
Prv 2 Yrs: 111 GP, 17 G, 13 A, 30 PTS, +0, 38 PIM
Even Strength: 45.8 Corsi%, per 82: 22 pts, +0
Mark Borowiecki, 32 LD, $2M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 75 GP, 7 G, 12 A, 19 PTS, -1, 96 PIM
Even Strength: 44.9 Corsi%, per 82:
Connor Ingram, 24 G, $733k, RFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: No NHL Experience
Ben Harpur, 26 LD, $700k, RFA 2021
Prv 2 Yrs: Low numbers, he’s 6-6
Even Strength: 42 ish Corsi%, per 82:
Remaining Candidates (7)
There is a very solid group amongst Nashville’s players here.
Calle Jarnkrok is a solid two-way forward that could be a top-two line player in this league, and he also has decent puck control skills. He’s also on a reasonable contract.
Ryan Johansen and Matt Duchene are proven veterans that can score and control the puck, but they are both on very expensive, long-term contracts, while Jarnkrok’s deal is more sensible. On the other hand, Johansen and Duchene are both skilled centers, so they may still be worth taking.
Nick Cousins, Rocco Grimaldi, and Yakov Trenin are two-way forwards that have decent puck control skills, but neither seem to be nearly as skilled as Jarnkrok or Johansen and Duchene.
While Matthew Benning is a defensive defenseman that is a right shot, he doesn’t have great offensive skills or puck control skills. He’s on a fairly cheap contract, but there are much better players that can be had instead. As for Colton Sissons, he’s a mediocre two-way player that is making way too much money for his skill set, and there are also much better players that can be had here.
The Likely Pick: Calle Jarnkrok
Group Priority: High
New Jersey Devils’ Candidates (7)
Nick Merkley, 24 RW, $874k, RFA 2021
Prv 2 Yrs: 31 GP, 3 G, 9 A, 12 PTS, -5, 9 PIM
Even Strength: 46.6 Corsi%, per82: 32 pts, -13
Nathan Bastian, 23 RW, $714k, RFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: 41 GP, 3 G, 7 A, 10 PTS, +0, 21 PIM
Even Strength: 48.7 Corsi%, per82: 20 pts, +0
Will Butcher, 26 LD, $3.733M, UFA 2022 - left
Prv 2 Yrs: 79 GP, 5 G, 27 A, 32 PTS, -11, 8 PIM
Even Strength: 47.5 Corsi%, per82: 33 pts, -11
Scott Wedgewood, 28 G, $700k, RFA 2021
Prv 2 Yrs: 3-8-3, 3.11 GAA, 90 SV%
Andreas Johnsson, 26 LW, $3.4M, UFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: 93 GP, 13 G, 19 A, 32 PTS, -1, 26 PIM
Even Strength: 53.2 Corsi%, per82: 28 pts, -1
P.K. Subban, 32 RD, $9M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 112 GP, 12 G, 25 A, 37 PTS, -37, 104 PIM
Even Strength: 48.7 Corsi%, per82: 27 pts, -27
Evan Cormier, 23 G, $718k, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: No NHL Experience
Remaining Candidates (5)
Nathan Bastian is a cheap, young forward that has two-way potential, as well as decent puck control skills, but he is also relatively unproven and still needs to continue to grow as a player.
Nick Merkeley is a skilled scorer that has top two-line potential, but he will be due for a raise as he will be an RFA this year.
Scott Wedgewood is a cheap goalie that has NHL experience, and he could compete to be a backup goalie, but there may be other talented goalies and players to pick from this group.
Will Butcher is a skilled, offensive defenseman that can get assists, but he is on a fairly sizable contract, and he also has middling defensive and puck control metrics.
Andreas Johnsson is a puck control forward that has some scoring skills, but he is also on quite a hefty contract.
P.K. Subban sounds like he should be the pick, but he is on a very hefty contract, and he hasn’t played well in the past two seasons.
The likely pick: Nick Merkley
Group Priority: Low
New York Islanders’ Candidates (7)
Jordan Eberle, 31 RW, $5.5M, UFA 2024
Prv 2 Yrs: 113 GP, 32 G, 41 A, 73 PTS, +10, 28 PIM
Even Strength: 54.3 Corsi%, per82: 53 pts, +7.3
Josh Bailey, 31 RW, $5M, UFA 2024
Prv 2 Yrs: 122 GP, 22 G, 56 A, 78 PTS, +0, 14 PIM
Even Strength: 46.4 Corsi%, per82: 52 pts, +0
Richard Panik, 30 LW, $1.375M UFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: 107 GP, 13 G, 22 A, 35 PTS, +7, 54 PIM
Even Strength: 49 Corsi%, per82: 27 pts, +5
Andy Greene, 38, D, $700k, UFA 2022 – left shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 118 GP, 3 G, 16 A, 19 PTS, +10, 22 PIM
Even Strength: 46.3 Corsi%, per82: 13 pts, +7
Ken Appleby, G, $725k, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: Career 94.5 SV%
Leo Komarov, 34 RW, $3M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 81 GP, 5 G, 17 A, 21 PTS, +9, 25 PIM
Even Strength: 45.3 Corsi%, per82: 21 pts, +9
Michael Dal Colle, 25 LW, $700k, RFA 2021
Prv 2 Yrs: 79 GP, 5 G, 9 A, 14 PTS, -7, 16 PIM
Even Strength: 45.8 Corsi%, per82: 15 pts, -7
Remaining Candidates (6)
Jordan Eberle and Josh Bailey are very skilled forwards that would be strong candidates to be top-two line forwards on the Kraken, but both are in the early 30s, and are on lucrative contracts for multiple years. The size of their contract combined with the potential for decline could be enough to have me avoid picking them, but they are very good players, nonetheless.
Richard Panik would be a more sensible option, as he is a decent two-way forward that could be an interesting third line player for the team, but neither he nor Komarov rated nearly as well in the puck possession metrics. Komarov is also on a more expensive contract.
Andy Greene is a solid defensive defenseman that is on a cheap contract, but he may possess limited offensive skills and he doesn’t rate well in the puck possession metrics. Ken Appleby is an intriguing goaltender that had a strong OHL track record and he played very well in his brief time up in the NHL three seasons ago, but he has not been backup since.
I could try to make a sensible pick in selecting Panik or Appleby to keep the payroll down, but I think I’ll try to swing for the fence and take Eberle here, if I can.
The Likely Pick (unless if I don’t have cap space): Jordan Eberle
Group Priority: High
New York Rangers’ Candidates (5)
Julien Gauthier, 23 RW, $863k, RFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 42 GP, 2 G, 8 A, 10 PTS, -7, 16 PIM, 9:22
Even Strength: 45.4 Corsi%, per 82: 20 pts, -14
Colin Blackwell, 28 C, 725k, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 74 GP, 15 G, 17 A, 32 PTS, +9, 25 PIM
Even Strength: 46.4 Corsi%, per 82: 35.5 pts, +10
Anthony Deangelo, 25 RD, $4.8M, RFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 74 GP, 15 G, 39 A, 54 PTS, +6, 51 PIM
Even Strength: 48.9 Corsi%, per 82: 60 pts, +7
Anthony Bitetto, 31 LD, 737.5k, UFA 2022 – left shot
Prv 2 Yrs: Low numbers
Even Strength: below 50 Corsi%, per 82:
Keith Kinkaid, 32 G, 825k, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 15 GP, 4-3-4, 3.27 GAA, 88.7 SV%
Remaining Candidates (2)
Character is a big part of evaluating players and building a team, and a team is more willing to play for each other if they like and respect each other. That is why I have decided to consider two candidates, and not three from this list.
For the players, I’d consider drafting from the Rangers, it would be between Julien Gauthier and Colin Blackwell.
Gauthier is a young winger on a cheap contract, and he has solid experience at the NHL level. He has some scoring potential, and he could be a back line forward at this level.
Colin Blackwell is a solid two-way forward that could be a decent third line center, though his puck possession metrics look to be fairly middling. Blackwell is also on a cheap contract, which may make him a solid candidate to choose from this pool.
We have a moral quandary relating to Anthony Deangelo. There is a reason I’ve eliminated him, despite his gaudy statistics. Based on talent and upside alone, he might have been the first overall pick in a parallel universe if that were the sole basis to judge him on, as he is a very skilled defenseman that can really score on offense.
On the other hand though, Anthony Deangelo is a chemistry killer, and his unsavory political and social views have repeatedly gotten him into trouble. He’s fought with his own teammates, and he’s repeatedly been caught saying bigoted remarks over the years. Here are two links related to his off-putting behavior over the years, from SB Nation's Blue Shirt Banter and the New York Times.
From the link from Blue Shirt Banter, Deangelo just seems like an all-around bad person, and if your team wants to win, you would serve well to avoid him at all costs. In short, this dude has gotten into a lot of incidents, even with players on his own team.
It seems that he’s likely a player that will get his numbers, but at the expense of his team, and his extremely conservative views would really clash with the people of Seattle, which is known for being a liberal city. He was also put on waivers, and nobody claimed him, so he would be a player to avoid at all costs.
The Likely Pick: Colin Blackwell
Group Priority: Low
Ottawa Senators’ Candidates (8)
Evgenii Dadonov, 32 RW, $5M, UFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: 124 GP, 38 G, 29 A, 67 PTS, -16, 14 PIM
Even Strength: 58.8 Corsi%, per 82: 44 pts, -11
Chris Tierney, 27 C, $3.5M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 126 GP, 17 G, 39 A, 56 PTS, -18, 28 PIM
Even Strength: 44.5 Corsi%, per 82: 36 pts, -12
Joshua Brown, 27 RD, $1.2M, UFA 2022 – right shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 82 GP, 3 G, 6 A, 9 PTS, +0, 69 PIM
Even Strength: 46.5 Corsi%, per 82: 9 pts, +0
Michael Amadio, 25 C, $700k, RFA 2021
Prv 2 Yrs: 93 GP, 6 G, 13 A, 19 PTS, -14, 14 PIM
Even Strength: 50.4 Corsi%, per 82: 17 pts, -12
Anton Forsberg, 28 G, $700k, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 11 GP, 4-5-1, 3.24 GAA, 90.6 SV%
Joey Daccord, 24 G, $750k, RFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: 89.7 SV%, 3.27 GAA
Marcus Hogberg, 26 G, $700k, RA 2021
Prv 2 Yrs: 38 GP, 9-15-8, 3.32 GAA, 89.5 SV%
Matt Murray, 27 G, $6.25M, UFA 2024
Prv 2 Yrs: 65 GP, 3.06 GAA, 89.6 SV%
The remaining candidates (7)
Evgenii Dadonov is a skilled offensive forward that has strong puck possession skills, but he is on an expensive contract.
Chris Tierney is also a skilled forward, but he doesn’t rate nearly as well in puck possession, and he is also on a fairly lucrative contract.
Joshua Brown is a young, right-handed defensive defenseman that defends well, and while he’s not particularly skilled offensively, right-handed defensemen have been fairly hard to find in this draft.
Michael Amadio is a young center that can control the puck, and he could be a back-line center.
They also have a glut of goalies that could be adequate backups on cheap contracts in Anton Forsberg, Joey Daccord, and Marcus Hogberg.
As for Matt Murray, he did have a very good start to his NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, but he hasn’t played well in the past two seasons, and he is far too expensive to be considered a good pick in the expansion draft.
I have it down to Dadonov or Joshua Brown, and it’ll come down to how much I’ve already spent.
The likely pick: Evgenii Dadonov
Group Priority: Medium
Philadelphia Flyers (6)
Jakub Voracek, 31 RW, $8.25M, UFA 2024
Prv 2 Yrs: 122 GP, 21 G, 78 A, 99 PTS, +2, 49 PIM
Even Strength: 53.5 Corsi%, per82: 67 pts,+1.3
Shayne Gostisbehere, 28 LD, $4.5M, UFA 2023 – left shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 83 GP, 14 G, 18 A, 32 PTS, -6, 26 PIM
Even Strength: 52.5 Corsi%, per82: 32 pts, -6
James van Riemsdyk, 32 LW, $7M, UFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: 122 GP, 36 G, 47 A, 83 PTS, +7, 22 PIM
Even Strength: 54.4 Corsi%, per82: 56 pts, +5
Justin Braun, 34 RD, $1.8M, UFA 2022 – Right shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 115 GP, 4 G, 21 A, 25 PTS, -2, 36 PIM
Even Strength: 50.6 Corsi%, per82: 18 pts, -1
Robert Hagg, 26 LD, $1.6M, UFA 2022 – left shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 83 GP, 5 G, 13 A, 18 PTS, +11, 48 PIM
Even Strength: 47.6 Corsi%, per82: 18 pts, +11
Felix Sandstrom, 24 G, $792.5k, RFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: No NHL experience
Remaining Candidates (5)
Jakub Voracek is head and shoulders the best player on the Flyers’ list, but he’s also making almost an absurd $8.25 million for several more seasons. Still, if I do draft him, he’d be a top line player, without a doubt.
Shayne Gostisbehere is a talented, offensive minded defenseman that can score and get assists, and he also moves the puck fairly well. He’s a solid second pairing defenseman that has the potential to be a first pairing D-Man on an NHL playoff team.
James van Riemsdyk is a very good, two-way forward that also moves the puck well, but like Voracek, he’s on a very expensive contract.
Justin Braun is a puck moving defenseman that is a right shot, and those are hard to find.
Robert Hagg is a defensive defenseman, but there are better players on this list.
For me, it’s between Voracek, Gostisbehere, or van Riemsdyk. Either way, I’m swinging for the fences, and am taking one of those very good players.
The Likely Pick: Jakub Voracek
Group Priority: Very High
Pittsburgh Penguins’ Candidates (8)
Jason Zucker, 29 LW, $5.5M, UFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: 98 GP, 29 G, 30 A, 59 PTS, -12, 42 PIM
Even Strength: 52.7 Corsi%, per82: 49 pts, -10
Marcus Pettersson, 25 LD, $4.025M, UFA 2025 - left
Prv 2 Yrs: 116 GP, 4 G, 27 A, 31 PTS, +17, 57 PIM
Even Strength: 51.7 Corsi%, per82: 22 pts, +12
Brandon Tanev, 29 RW, $3.5M, UFA 2025
Prv 2 Yrs: 100 GP, 18 G, 23 A, 41 PTS, +11, 38 PIM
Even Strength: 49.3 Corsi%, per82: 34 pts, +9
Chad Ruhwedel, 31 RD, 700k, UFA 2022 - right
Prv 2 Yrs: 58 GP, 2 G, 6 A, 8 pts, +7, 26 PIM
Even Strength: 50.5 Corsi%, per82: 11 pts, +10
Zach Aston-Reese, 26 LW, $1M, RFA 2021
Prv 2 Yrs: 102 GP, 15 G, 13 A, 28 PTS, +16, 43 PIM
Even Strength: 50 Corsi%, per82: 23 pts, +13
Casey DeSmith, 29 G, 1.25M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 11-7-0, 2.54 GAA, 91.2 SV%
Sam Lafferty, 26 C, $750k, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 84 GP, 6 G, 13 A, 19 PTS, -1, 48 PIM
Even Strength: 46.9 Corsi%, per82: 19 pts, -1
Mark Jankowski, 26 LW, 700k, RFA 2021
Prv 2 Yrs: 101 GP, 9 G, 9 A, 18 PTS, -8, 20 PIM
Even Strength: 46.8 Corsi%, per82:
The remaining candidates (6)
Chad Ruhwedel is a defensive defenseman that is a right shot, and right-handed defensemen are hard to find. While he’s not the most skilled offensive player, he moves the puck well, and makes solid team plays.
Jason Zucker is a speedy, skilled scorer that can rack up points and he controls the puck well, but he is on an expensive contract. He’d be a candidate for the top line if I draft him, but he’d likely project into a second line role on most teams.
Marcus Pettersson is a young defenseman that has fairly solid two-way potential, and he is also a solid puck mover, but he is also making a lot of money this season.
Brandon Tanev is a fairly solid two-way forward, but he is also on a fairly sizable contract, and he doesn’t have top-tier scoring potential.
Zach Aston-Reese has fairly solid two-way potential and he also is a decent puck mover, but he’s due for a raise as he will be a restricted free agent (RFA) this year.
Casey DeSmith is a solid backup goalie, but there are lots of quality goalies to choose from in this pool.
The Likely Pick: Chad Ruhwedel
Group Priority: Lower Medium
San Jose Sharks’ Candidates (5)
Matt Nieto, 28 LW, 700k, UFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: 98 GP, 13 G, 15 A, 28 PTS, +2, 10 PIM
Even Strength: 42.6 Corsi%, per82: 23 pts, +2
Dylan Gambrell, 24 C, 700k, RFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 99 GP, 10 G, 13 A, 23 PTS, -26, 30 PIM
Even Strength: 46 Corsi%, per82: 19 pts, -22
Ryan Donato, 25 LW, $1.9M RFA 2021
Prv 2 Yrs: 112 GP, 20 G, 23 A, 43 PTS, -5. 22 PIM
Even Strength: 49.4 Corsi%, per82: 31 pts, -4
Martin Jones, 31 G, 5.75M, UFA 2024
Prv 2 Yrs: 75 GP, 32-35-6, 3.12 GAA, 89.6 SV%
Radim Simek, 28 LD, 2.25M, UFA 2024 - left
Prv 2 Yrs: 88 GP, 4 G, 11 A, 15 PTS, -22, 29 PIM
Even Strength: 47.4 Corsi%, per82: 14 pts, -21
The remaining candidates
Their highest profile name that can be taken, Martin Jones, used to be very good in the playoffs in previous years, but he has not played well in the past three seasons, and his salary is way too much for a player that hasn’t played well recently. Therefore, I will not draft him in my mock expansion draft.
There really seem to be three decent candidates here. Matt Nieto is a cheap winger that defends well, but doesn’t do much else. On the bright side, he keeps the cost down. That’s a positive in the expansion draft, as that will allow you to take better players elsewhere.
Dylan Gambrell is a young center that has some offensive potential, but he really struggled defensively and was fairly mediocre as an offensive player in the NHL. Still,he is a cheap young player that will keep the cost down.
Ryan Donato is a skilled forward that may have the potential to be a second line forward in the NHL and has some puck possession skills, but he is significantly more expensive than the others, and he will be an RFA, so he might even command more money than his listed price. Therefore, as talented as he may be, there are other talented players in this expansion draft, and I’ll have to pass on Donato here.
The likely pick: Dylan Gambrell
Group priority: Low
St. Louis Blues’ Candidates (12)
Vladimir Tarasenko 29 RW, $7.5M, UFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: 34 GP, 7 G, 17 A, 24 PTS, -9
Even Strength: 49 Corsi%, per82: 58 pts, -22
Vince Dunn, 24 D, $1.875M, RFA 2021 – left shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 114 GP, 15 G, 28 A, 43 PTS, +7, 45 PIM
Even Strength: 53.5 Corsi%, per82: 31 pts, +5
Zach Sanford, 26 LW, $1.5M, RFA 2021
Prv 2 Yrs: 110 GP, 26 G, 20 A, 46 PTS, +0, 53 PIM
Even Strength: 49.1 Corsi%, per82: 34 pts, +0
Samuel Blais, 25 RW, $1.5M, RFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 76 GP, 14 G, 14 A, 28 PTS, -2, 32 PIM
Even Strength: 48.1 Corsi%, per82: 30 pts, -2
Robert Bortuzzo, 32 RD, $1.375M, UFA 2022 – right shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 82 GP, 3 G, 8 A, 11 PTS, +9, 68 PIM
Even Strength: 51 Corsi%, per82: 11 pts, +9
Mackenzie MacEachern, 27 LW, $900k, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 72 GP, 8 G, 4 A, 12 PTS, +5, 41 PIM
Even Strength: 51.3 Corsi%, per82: 14 pts, +6
Niko Mikkola, 25 LD, $788k, RFA 2022 – left shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 35 GP, 1 G, 3 A, 4 PTS, -8, 11 PIM
Even Strength: 46.3 Corsi%, per82: 9 pts, -19
Jacob De La Rose, 26 C, $725k, RFA 2021
Prv 2 Yrs: 63 GP, 2 G, 8 A, 10 PTS, +0, 17 PIM
Even Strength: 48.2 Corsi%, per82: 13 pts, +0
Ville Husso, 26 G, $750k, UFA 2022
9-6-1, 3.20 GAA, 89.3 SV%
Marco Scandella, 31 LD, $3.275M, UFA 2024
Prv 2 Yrs: 111 GP, 7 G, 15 A, 22 PTS, +28, 44 PIM
Even Strength: 48.2 Corsi%, per82: 16 pts, +21
Evan Fitzpatrick, 23 G, $770k, RFA 2021
No NHL Experience
Kyle Clifford, 30 LW, $1M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 119 GP, 11 G, 13 A, 24 PTS, -12, 98 PIM
Even Strength: 47ish Corsi%, per82:
Remaining Candidates (10)
Tarasenko is a gifted scorer that is one of the best in the league when healthy, but he’s struggled with injuries in the past two seasons, and he’s coming off his worst puck possession year recently. Still, he’s a definite first line player if healthy. On the downside, he’s on a hefty contract.
Vince Dunn is a solid two-way defenseman that does just about everything well. He’s a second-pairing defenseman, but Dunn has the potential to be a first-pairing defenseman in this league. He’s an RFA though, so he may decide to reup for more money.
Zach Sanford is a solid two-way forward that can score and defend. He had fairly middling puck possession metrics, and he’s an RFA, so he may command more money than expected.
Sammy Blais is a decent third or fourth line winger in the NHL. He’s a scrappy forward that plays very hard. He’s not really a puck control winger, but he is a young forward that can fill a back line and he is also on a manageable contract.
Robert Bortuzzo is a hard-hitting, defensive defenseman that can move the puck. He is a decent, third-pairing defenseman that is good for the money. He is a right-shot defenseman that can lay out some hard hits and he is an effective role player, but no one is going to confuse for a star player.
Mackenzie MacEachern is a solid backline winger that can move the puck and defend, and he is also on a cheap contract.
Niko Mikkola is a young defenseman that can skate and move the puck. He’s fairly raw compared to others out here, but he’s on a very cheap contract.
Jacob De La Rose is a defensive minded center that had fairly middling puck possession metrics and he’s not the most skiled offensive player, but he is a backline forward that is on a cheap contract.
Ville Husso was the team’s backup goaltender. On most nights, he just wasn’t nearly as good as expected, and he tended to disappoint as the backup to Jordan Binnington. On the bright side, he is a young goalie that is on a cheap contract, he’s a well-traveled goalie that has competed both in the minors and in professional leagues overseas, and he also has NHL experience.
Marco Scandella is a solid back pairing defenseman that defends well, and he has some puck movement skills. He’s on a very expensive contract though, and I would not recommend drafting him compared to the other players that the Seattle Kraken can get here.
The Likely Pick: Vladimir Tarasenko
2nd choice: Vince Dunn
If over the budget: Sammy Blais or Robert Bortuzzo
Group Priority: High
Tampa Bay Lightning’s Candidates (10) – all of them won the cup
Ondrej Palat, 30 RW, $5.3M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 124 GP, 32 G, 55 A, 87 PTS, +26, 48 PIM
Even Strength: 53 Corsi%, per82: 58 pts, +17
Alex Killorn, 31 LW, $4.45M, UFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: 124 GP, 41 G, 41 A, 82 PTS, +18, 57 PIM
Even Strength: 53.3 Corsi%, per82: 54 pts, +12
Ross Colton, 24 C, 700k, RFA 2021
Prv 2 Yrs: 30 GP, 9 G, 3 A, 12 PTS, +3, 16 PIM
Even Strength: 51.4 Corsi%, per82: 33 pts, +8
Patrick Maroon, 33 LW, $900k, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 119 GP, 13 G, 28 A, 41 PTS, +6, 131 PIM
Even Strength: 49.1 Corsi%, per82: 28 pts, +4
Cal Foote, 22 RD, 925k, RFA 2021 – right shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 35 GP, 1 G, 2 A, 3 PTS, +9, 29 PIM
Even Strength: 49.4 Corsi%, per82: 7 pts, +21
Jan Rutta, 30 RD, 1.3M, UFA 2022 – right shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 68 GP, 1 G, 14 A, 15 PTS, +18, 36 PIM
Even Strength: 52 Corsi%, per82: 18 pts, +22
Yanni Gourde, 29 C, $5.167M, UFA 2025
Prv 2 Yrs: 126 GP, 27 G, 39 A, 66 PTS, +5, 93 PIM
Even Strength: 54.3 Corsi%, per82: 43 pts, +3.3
Mathieu Joseph, 24 C, $737k, RFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 93 GP, 16 G, 10 A, 26 PTS, +1, 26 PIM
Even Strength: 49.8 Corsi%, per82: 23 pts, +1
Tyler Johnson, 30 RW, $5M, UFA 2024
Prv 2 Yrs: 120 GP, 22 G, 31 A, 53 PTS, +8, 32 PIM
Even Strength: 51.5 Corsi%, per82: 36 pts, +5
Spencer Martin, 26 G, 700k, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: None
0-2-1, 4.35 GAA, 86.5 SV% in his career
Remaining Candidates (9):
Ondrej Palat is a very skilled scorer that excels at everything, but he is on a hefty contract. He’d likely be a top line winger on the Kraken if I draft him in my mock expansion draft.
Alex Killorn also is a very skilled scorer that also does just about everything well, but he is a year older, and makes less than Palat.
Ross Colton is a young, skilled two-way center that has definite top two-line potential, and he is on a very cost-controlled salary.
Patrick Maroon is a winner that has won with the 2019 Blues, as well as with the 2020 and 2021 Lightning. He is a solid power forward that plays hard, will finish his checks, and he can put in timely goals. He’s a solid mid-tier forward that is on an astonishingly cheap contract.
Cal Foote is a solid, right-handed defensive defenseman that can move the puck. He doesn’t score very much, but he has solid potential, but he is also an RFA that will be up for a new contract in the offseason.
Jan Rutta is a right handed defenseman that can move the puck and defends well, but he doesn’t rack up many points on offense.
Yanni Gourde is a skilled center that can score and move the puck, but he is on a hefty contract, and he’s not nearly as good as Palat or Killorn.
Mathieu Joseph is a skilled center that defends fairly well and has promising offensive skills, and he is on a cheap contract, but he didn’t produce nearly as well as Colton this past year.
Tyler Johnson used to be a very good forward, and he is a decent third-line forward that is on a hefty contract.
This is a very talented group, and this pick could go in a lot of different directions.
The Likely Pick: Ondrej Palat or Alex Killorn
The cheap pick: Ross Colton or Patrick Maroon
Group Priority: Very High
Toronto Maple Leafs’ Candidates (7)
Jared McCann, 25 LW, 2.94M, RFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 109 GP, 28 G, 39 A, 67 PTS, +23, 25 PIM
Even Strength: 51.2 Corsi%, per82: 50 pts, +17
Alexander Kerfoot, 26 C, 3.5M, UFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: 121 GP, 17 G, 34 A, 51 PTS, +0, 44 PIM
Even Strength: 50.9 Corsi%, per82: 35 pts, +0
Jason Spezza, 38 C, 700k, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 112 GP, 19 G, 36 A, 55 PTS, +0, 24 PIM
Even Strength: 50.9 Corsi%, per82: 40 pts, +0
Travis Dermott, 24 LD, 874k, RFA 2023 – left shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 107 GP, 6 G, 11 A, 17 PTS, +13, 56 PIM
Even Strength: 50.1 Corsi%, per82: 13 pts, +10
Pierre Engvall, 25 LW, 1.25M, RFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 90 GP, 15 G, 12 A, 27 PTS, +6, 22 PIM
Even Strength: 51 Corsi%, per82: 25 pts, +5
Wayne Simmonds, 32 RW, 1.5M, UFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: 106 GP, 15 G, 19 A, 34 PTS, -24, 111 PIM
Even Strength: 51.1 Corsi%, per82: 26 pts, -19
Michael Hutchinson, 31 G, 725k, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 24 GP, 9-11-2, 3.12 GAA, 89.8 SV%
Remaining candidates (7)
Jared McCann looks to be the best option, and he is a good two-way forward that has definite top line potential. He is on a fairly expensive contract, but maybe not as much compared to others.
Alexander Kerfoot is a solid two-way forward, but he’s making more money than McCann, and has not scored quite as much as McCann in the past two seasons.
Jason Spezza is still kicking it at age 38, and he’s a solid mid-tier forward that can skate around and score goals. He’s a solid two-way forward that can move the puck, and he is on a ridiculously cheap contract. He’s old, but he’d be a good option to consider in this draft.
Travis Dermott is a back pairing defenseman that can move the puck and defend, and he is on a cheap contract.
Pierre Engvall is a decent third liner that is on a manageable contract, and that is something to consider.
Wayne Simmonds is an athletic power forward that can move the puck and score a bit, and he is on a manageable contract. On the other hand, he hasn’t quite contributed nearly as well as he used to.
Michael Hutchinson did play well as a backup last season, but it was just in 8 games, and there may be other talented players and goalies available. He’s on a cheap contract, though.
The Likely Pick: Jared McCann
The cheap pick: Jason Spezza
Group Priority: Medium High
Vancouver Canucks’ Candidates (8)
Madison Bowey, 26 RD, 725k, UFA 2022 - right
Prv 2 Yrs: 55 GP, 3 G, 15 A, 18 PTS, -15, 34 PIM
Even Strength: 44.4 Corsi%, per82: 27 pts, -22
Jake Virtanen, 24 RW, 2.55M, RFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 107 GP, 23 G, 18 A, 41 PTS, -8, 82 PIM
Even Strength: 47.3 Corsi%, per82: 31 pts, -6
Zack MacEwen, 25 C, 825k, RFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 51 GP, 6 G, 2 A, 8 PTS, +4, 64 PIM
Even Strength: 45.6 Corsi%, per82: 13 pts, +6
Braden Holtby, 31 G, 4.3M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 32-25-9, 3.28 GAA, 89.5 SV%
Loui Eriksson, 36 LW, 6M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 56 GP, 6 G, 8 A, 14 PTS, -5, 14 PIM
Even Strength: Below 50 Corsi%, per82:
Jay Beagle, 35 C, 3M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: Low
Even Strength: Below 50 Corsi%, per82:
Antoine Roussel, 31 LW, 3M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: middling to low production
Even Strength: 47 ish Corsi%, per82:
Matthew Highmore, 25 LW, 725k, RFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 78 GP, 5 G, 8 A, 13 PTS, -6, 14 PIM
Even Strength: 44.1 Corsi%, per82: 14 pts, -6
There look to be four decent candidates here.
Madison Bowey is a young, right shot defenseman that can score, but he’ll need to improve his puck skills and defense. Still, he’s a talented young player on a cheap contract that has the talent to be an upper-tier second pairing defenseman in this league.
Jake Virtanen is a skilled, young forward that can put the puck in the net, but he is also on a fairly hefty contract.
Zack MacEwen is a cheap, young center that defends well, but he doesn’t have much offensive skills, so he’s probably a backline center that tops out at that.
Braden Holtby has won a Stanley Cup and he’s been one of the best goalies in the league, but he’s struggled to make saves consistently in the past two seasons, and he most notably struggled for the Canucks this year.
Loui Eriksson is far too expensive, and he has not played well in the past two seasons. Pass.
The likely pick: Madison Bowey
Group Priority: Medium
Washington Capitals (12)
Alex Ovechkin, 35 LW, 9.54M, UFA 2021
Prv 2 Yrs: 113 GP, 70 G, 37 A, 109 PTS, -19, 42 PIM
Even Strength: 51.3 Corsi%, per82: 79, -14
Justin Schultz, 31 RD, 4M, UFA 2022 – right shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 92 GP, 6 G, 33 A, 39 PTS, -1, 16 PIM
Even Strength: 49.7 Corsi%, per82: 35 pts, -1
Michal Kempny, 30 LD, 2.5M, UFA 2022 – left shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 129 GP, 9 G, 34 A, 43 PTS, +43, 82 PIM
Even Strength: 50.4 Corsi%, per82: 27 pts, +27
Nic Dowd, 31 C, 750k, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 112 GP, 18 G, 12 A, 30 PTS, +15, 59 PIM
Even Strength: 49.3 Corsi%, per82: 22 pts, +11
Vitek Vanecek, 25 G, 717k, RFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 21-10-4, 2.69 GAA, 90.8 SV%
Nick Jensen, 30 RD, 2.5M, UFA 2023 – right shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 121 GP, 2 G, 20 A, 22 PTS, +6, 27 PIM
Even Strength: 50.4 Corsi%, per82: 15 pts, +4
Carl Hagelin, 32 LW, 2.75M, UFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: 114 GP, 14 G, 27 A, 41 PTS, +19, 35 PIM
Even Strength: 51.4 Corsi%, per82: 29.5 pts, +14
Conor Sheary, 29 LW, 735k, UFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: 116 GP, 24 G, 21 A, 45 PTS, -6, 24 PIM
Even Strength: 51.8 Corsi%, per82: 32 pts, -4
Garnet Hathaway, 29 LW, 1.5M, UFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: 122 GP, 15 G, 21 A, 34 PTS, +13, 145 PIM
Even Strength: 50.5 Corsi%, per82: 23 pts, +9
Brenden Dillon, 30 LD, 3.9M, UFA 2024 – left shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 125 GP, 3 G, 30 A, 33 PTS, +13, 153 PIM
Even Strength: 50.6 Corsi%, per82: 22 pts, +9
Pheonix Copley, 29 G, 1.1M, UFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: career 90.1 SV%, hasn’t played in last two seasons
Zach Fucale, 26 G, 700k, UFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: No NHL Experience
Remaining candidates (11)
Alex Ovechkin will be a UFA, so he’s not obligated to sign with the Seattle Kraken if they do draft him, so they’d have to be prepared to drop a serious bag to keep him. Most likely, they’d run out of money before being able to pay him, so that’s probably not an option in this draft.
So if we avoid taking Ovechkin, it might actually be a three-man race between Justin Schultz, Michael Kempny, and Vitek Vanecek, with others to consider as well.
Justin Schultz is a solid, right shot defenseman that can score and has decent all-around skills. He’s a second pairing type of defenseman, but is on a lucrative contract.
Michael Kempny is a solid two-way defenseman that does everything well, especially on the defensive end, but he is on a fairly expensive contract.
Vitek Vanecek is a solid, skilled young goalie that has shown that he can be a solid backup goalie in the NHL, and he is on a cheap contract.
Nic Dowd is a defensive minded center that is on a cheap contract, but he doesn’t contribute nearly as much on offense.
Nick Jensen is a right shot, defensive defenseman that can also move the puck, but he’s not likely to score much, and he is on a fairly expensive contract.
Carl Hagelin is a solid two-way forward that also can kill penalties, but he is also making a sizable contract for a player that is considered to be a third-line type of forward.
Conor Sheary is an offensively skilled winger on a cheap contract, but he likely tops out as a second or third line winger in the NHL.
Garnet Hathaway is a two-way forward that defends well and moves the puck, and he is on a reasonably cheap contract, but he isn’t likely to score much on offense.
Brendon Dillon is a defensive defenseman that can also move the puck, but he’s not likely to score much, and he is on an expensive contract.
Pheonix Copley is a fairly cheap goalie that has played in the NHL, but not in the last two seasons.
The likely pick: Justin Schultz
The cheap pick: Vitek Vanecek
Group Priority: Medium
Winnipeg Jets’ Candidates (7)
Dominic Toninato, 27 LW, 700k, UFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: 48 GP, 4 G, 8 A, 12 pts, +12, 37 PIM
Even Strength: 45.3 Corsi%, per82: 21 pts, +21
Mason Appleton, 25 RW, 900k, RFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 102 GP, 17 G, 16 A, 33 PTS, +2, 34 PIM
Even Strength: 48.1 Corsi%, per82: 27 pts, +2
Nathan Beaulieu, 28 D, 1.25M, UFA 2022 – left shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 63 GP, 1 G, 8 A, 9 PTS, +10, 49 PIM
Even Strength: 45.3 Corsi%, per82: +12, 13 PIM
Dylan DeMelo, 28 RD, 3M, UFA 2024 – right shot
Prv 2 Yrs: 111 GP, 0 G, 19 A, 19 pts, +14
Even Strength: 49.4 Corsi%, per82: 14, +10
Jansen Harkins, 24 LW, 725k, RFA 2022
Prv 2 Yrs: 55 GP, 3 G, 6 A, 9 pts, -4, 9 PIM
Even Strength: 45.9 Corsi%, per82: 13, -6
Mikhail Berdin, 23 G, 758k, RFA 2023
Prv 2 Yrs: No NHL Experience
Cole Kehler, 23 G, 700k, RFA 2021
Prv 2 Yrs: No NHL Experience
Remaining Candidates (5)
Dominic Toninato is a fairly solid two-way forward that doesn’t control the puck as well as Appleton, but he is on a cheap contract.
Mason Appleton is a decent two-way forward, but he possesses fairly middling puck control skills. He’s on a cheap contract.
Nathan Beaulieu is a defensive defenseman on a relatively cheap contract, but he doesn’t control the puck as well as DeMelo nor score much on offense.
Dylan DeMelo is a right shot, defensive defenseman that can move the puck, but he doesn’t score much on offense, is on an expensive contract.
Jansen Harkins is on a cheap contract, but he’s not a very skilled hockey player.
The likely pick: Dominic Toninato
Group Priority: Low
So here is who I ended up picking in its entirety.
Alan Lu's Mock NHL Expansion Draft for the Seattle Kraken
Overall, I ended up getting 17 forwards, 9 defensemen, and 4 goalies. I spent $76.8 of the $81.5 million available in cap space to make these picks in its entirety.
My Forward Picks (17)
Jakub Voracek
Vladimir Tarasenko
Jordan Eberle
Jonathan Drouin
Ondrej Palat
Evgeni Dadonov
Jared McCann
Calle Jarnkrok
Dylan Gambrell
Kevin Stenlund
Blake Lizotte
Morgan Geekie
Dominic Toninato
Colin Blackwell
Dominik Kahun
Adam Gaudette
Nick Merkley
Defensemen Picks (9)
Mark Giordano
Justin Schultz
Kevin Shattenkirk
Colin Miller
Troy Stecher
Jeremy Lauzon
Chad Ruhwedel
Jacob MacDonald
Madison Bowey
Goalies (4)
Ben Bishop
Chris Driedger
Kaapo Kahkonen
Josef Korenar
I had to get a 9th defenseman, so I swapped out Dustin Tokarski for Colin Miller.
It was a fun exercise, and we will see who the Kraken will take on July 21st.
