The NHL Expansion Draft Is One Week Away And The Boston Bruins Expansion Draft Plans Are Sell Vegas On Hayes
With the NHL Expansion in Las Vegas only one week away we make our picks as we try and get inside the mind of Don Sweeney. The Expansion Draft will take place on June 21st in Las Vegas. Also The NHL awards will be taking place as well as a reveal for the new Jersey designs from Adidas, and the NHL 18 video game official trailer.
For a full explanation of the draft rules click here.
My Picks
I would choose 7 forwards 3 defenseman and 1 goalie method of protection due to a no movement clause (NMC) from other players. Luckily for the Bruins most of their prospects are exempt from the draft.
Forwards:
- David Krejci, NMC
- Patrice Bergeron, NMC
- Brad Marchand, NMC
- David Backes, NMC
- David Pastrnak
- Riley Nash
- Tim Schaller, assuming he gets resigned.
Defensemen:
Goalie:
If I Was Vegas
I would most likely take Adam McQuaid because he is a solid d-man that you can build a solid d core with. He will also come cheap and leave the team open to spend more money elsewhere like a goalie or a goal scorer.
Tanner Rebelo’s Take:
With the non-asking of players to waive their NMC’s, the Boston Bruins have already picked 5 players of the 7-3-1 format. That doesn’t mean the remaining spots will be easy for Don Sweeney and Cam Neely. They have an unique opportunity to remove one player/contract from their roster if they chose their cards right.
Of course Vegas will only pick one unprotected player from Boston, but if done correctly Boston can make Vegas pick one particular player, Jimmy Hayes.
Below is who I would protect if I was the Boston Bruins:
Forwards:
- David Krejci, NMC
- Patrice Bergeron, NMC
- Brad Marchand, NMC
- David Backes, NMC
- David Pastrnak
- Matt Beleskey
- Riley Nash
Defensemen:
- Zdeno Chara NMC
- Torey Krug
- Colin Miller
Goaltender:
- Tuukka Rask
Protecting these players make the following available for Vegas to select:
Forwards:
- Jimmy Hayes
- Ryan Spooner
- Tim Schaller
Defensemen:
Goaltenders:
Let’s face it losing Spooner is not the end of the world, so here is what I propose. A Bruins trade to Vegas including Ryan Spooner with the condition that they select the unprotected Jimmy Hayes in the expansion draft. This is easier said then done, but floating Spooner out to Vegas to have them snatch Hayes is a smart way to clear Hayes cap hit and use it to help clear room for a player like Jonas Brodin or Landeskog via a trade.
