Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell

The rules for next year's expansion draft were recently released and, for the most part, the NHL did a good job of allowing teams to hold onto their prospects without having to use any of their protection slots.

There are, however, some players that slipped through the cracks and will require protection if an NHL team wishes to guarantee a player is part of their future.

Most teams were not impacted but the Calgary Flames happen to own a couple of the prospects eligible to be chosen in the draft.

Following are #NHLExpansion eligible
Carrier (BUF)
Poirier, Shinkaruk (CGY)
Hartman (CHI)
Mantha (DET)
Diaby (NSH)
Pulock (NYI)
Rychel (TOR)

— General Fanager (@generalfanager) July 25, 2016

Barring an absolutely fantastic season from Emile Poirier, which seems unlikely given he appears to be trending downwards as a prospect, the Flames won't have to worry about protecting Poirier. Las Vegas surely would find another piece much more appealing and, quite frankly, I think the Flames would be happy if for some reason Poirier is chosen.

The Hunter Shinkaruk bit is a lot more interesting. He is all but a lock to be a regular on the Flames next season and will have ample opportunity to showcase himself.

Under the rules in place the Flames can protect seven forwards and may have a tough decision to make a year from now.

Here's how their seven will probably shape up:

1. Johnny Gaudreau
2. Sean Monahan
3. Sam Bennett
4. Mikael Backlund
5. Michael Frolik
6. Troy Brouwer
7. Micheal Ferland/Shinkaruk

As it stands I think Ferland would definitely be the 7th keeper. That decision doesn't have to be made for another year, though, so if the 21-year-old Shinkaruk can put together a quality season GM Brad Treliving will have a big decision to make.

Just something to keep in mind moving forward.

Recent posts:

On Tkachuk, Wideman, expansion & more

On Kulak, Andersson & Kylington

Flames deserve credit for finding cheap, quality solutions in goal

Losing Jooris hurts more than most realize

MacKinnon, Scheifele set market for Monahan's next deal

The Flames should have stayed away from Troy Brouwer

Join the Discussion: » 42 Comments » Post New Comment

» Three negatives from the Calgary Flames' 2020-21 campaign

» Three positives from the Calgary Flames' 2020-21 season

» Calgary Flames notes - May 19th

» Three things I'd like to see from the Calgary Flames down the stretch

» G52 Calgary Flames vs Ottawa Senators: Low-danger hockey