On Saturday, all NHL teams were required to submit a protection list for the Expansion Draft on Wednesday, July 21st. The Florida Panthers chose to protect seven forwards, three defensemen, and a goalie. In addition, there are rules that automatically protect a player without being counted towards the team’s protection list. Therefore, Owen Tippett and Spencer Knight will automatically be safe from being selected by Seattle.
Protected Forwards
Aleksander Barkov won the Selke Trophy last season for best defensive forward in the NHL. Furthermore, the 25-year-old scored 58 points in 50 games last season. The Panther captain will enter the final year of his contract this season.
Sam Bennett was acquired at the trade deadline last season from Calgary. Bennett scored 12 points in 38 games prior to the trade. Following the trade, Bennett scored 15 points in 10 games with Florida.
Anthony Duclair recently signed a three-year, three-million-dollar contract with the Panthers. Last season, the former All-Star scored 32 points in 43 games.
Patric Hornqvist was yet another great addition for Florida last season. The assistant captain recorded 32 points in 44 games. Although he is 34-years-old, Florida believes that his high level of play is enough to protect him from the Expansion Draft.
Jonathan Huberdeau led the Panthers in points last year with 61 points in 55 games. Huberdeau plays a vital role in the organization and it is obvious that he will remain with the team.
Mason Marchment took a big step in his game last season. The 2020-21 season was the first year in Marchment’s pro career. The Ontario native scored 10 points in 33 games.
Carter Verhaeghe is yet another Bill Zito project that has worked out beautifully. In 2019-20 with Tampa Bay, Verhaeghe scored 13 points in 52 games. And last season with the Panthers, Verhaeghe recorded 36 points in 43 games.
Protected Defensemen
Aaron Ekblad was having a great campaign with 22 points in 35 games until an injury ended his season early. However, Ekblad will be 100% healthy this season.
Gustav Forsling was picked up off of waivers by Florida last season. The Panthers provided Forsling with a fresh start, and as a result, he scored 17 points in 43 games.
MacKenzie Weegar found his footing in the NHL last year. Weegar doubled his previous point total last season. The 27-year-old will remain on contract in Florida for two more years.
Protected Goalies
Sergei Bobrovsky has struggled ever since joining Florida on a ten million dollar contract. However, the Panthers are still counting on him to shut down the opposition.
Which Players Were Left Unprotected?
Chris Driedger, Frank Vatrano, Radko Gudas, Noel Acciari and Markus Nutivaara were left unprotected.
Who Will Seattle Take?
According to multiple sources, the Seattle Kraken are on the verge of signing Driedger to a three-year deal worth $3.5 million per season.
Chris Driedger, 27, played in 23 games last year with a .927 save percentage. Whether he is a backup or starter, Driedger would fit well in Seattle.