NHL Expansion: What It Means For The Toronto Maple Leafs

NHL Expansion, Who do the Leafs protect?

I fully understand that if I read this a year from now it could be irrelevant. The moves made this summer could completely change the decisions Lou and co. make by the time the NHL expansion draft actually comes around. Do they add Stamkos? Do they sign other top free agents? Do they make a big trade? Who leaves? Who stays?

One thing we do know is the options that will be presented to all 30 GMs in regards to who they can protect from being stolen from their roster.

Option 1: Protect 7 forwards, 3 defencemen and 1 goalie

Option 2: Protect 8 players of any position and 1 goalie

Some other rules to keep in mind.

– Players with 1 or 2 years of pro experience are exempt as well as prospects. Lucky for the Leafs, it appears players like Nylander, Kapanen, Gauthier and more will be exempt, as indicated by #19 in Elliotte Friedmans always terrific “30 thoughts” found here

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– Teams must leave enough players exposed to total 25% of previous seasons payroll.

– In a one team expansion an organization can’t lose any more than 1 player. In a two team expansion an organization can’t lose any more than 2 players.

– Unsigned draft picks that play in European or college leagues are exempt for up to 2 years from their draft year.

** The discussion about players with no-move clauses won’t affect the Leafs. The only player with a NMC on the roster is Nathan Horton. We will assume a new franchise won’t claim a player that is never expected to play again.
**Any player that is UFA after the 16/17 season will be left unprotected as a blanket rule for this discussion. Most are veterans that may not have a future with the Leafs.

With all of that out of the way, lets get to the Leafs roster specifically. With a plethora of near NHL ready players, and some good young talent currently on the roster, I’ll assume they go with Option A as outlined above. 7 forwards, 3 defencemen and 1 goalie. The idea being to protect as many players as possible.

We’ll start with the forwards:

1) James van Riemsdyk: At this moment he’s our only legit, no questions asked, 1st line forward. If he isn’t in the future plans his worth on the trade market will justify protection.

Dec 27, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Tyler Bozak (42) is congratulated by left wing James van Riemsdyk (21) after scoring a second period goal against the New York Islanders at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

2) Leo Komarov: We all saw the pump and dump the Leafs pulled with Dion Phaneuf but when Lou calls Leo part of the core going forward, I believe him.

3) Nikita Soshnikov: I see a future penalty killer, powerplay guy and energy provider. I don’t expect his production to ever be extremely high, but he’s a guy with the right attitude to be a real player for the Leafs for years to come.

4) Nazem Kadri: John Krpan wrote about his place in the organization here and, like him, I often wonder what will happen with Nazem going forward. I put him on the “keeper” list because he’s young, good, and should hold enough trade value to land a solid future piece, if he isn’t in the long term plans.

5) Brendan Leipsic: Showing to be more skilled than anybody first thought, I think Leipsic draws into the long term plans in Toronto.

6) Josh Leivo: There aren’t many wingers with size in the system. Leivos NHL shot makes him protection worthy.

7) This one I’m leaving open for discussion purposes. Here is a list (including any players that are RFA between now and the end of next season) of eligible draftees:
– Tyler Bozak, Joffrey Lupul, Peter Holland, Byron Froese.

Next, we’ll discuss the defense:

1) Morgan Rielly: The Maple Leafs most highly valued blueliner. He should be a Leaf for years to come. No brainer here!

Mar 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly (44) carries the puck against the Buffalo Sabres at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Buffalo 4-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2) Jake Gardiner: A young, top 4 player on any team. Obvious keeper considering the options.

3) This is another optional pick for the sake of discussion. Besides Morgan and Jake there are no bonafide top 4 guys in the system. There are a lot of players with that potential but no obvious choices. Again, here is a list of players to choose from:
-Scott Harrington, Martin Marincin, Connor Carrick, Frankie Corrado, Stuart Percy

Lastly, the goaltenders:

The list is short and consists only of Sparks and Bibeau. The decision on who to protect will be made for the organization next year by how they play.

Would you choose “Option A” or would you prefer to keep 8 skaters of any position and 1 goalie? How would your list differ from mine? If you agree with the choices I did make then who would you keep for your last picks?

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