After weeks of speculation, we finally know who the Calgary Flames are protecting for the upcoming expansion draft. In truth, really aren't any surprises.

Protected

Mikael Backlund (F)
Dillon Dube (F)
Johnny Gaudreau (F)
Elias Lindholm (F)
Andrew Mangiapane (F)
Sean Monahan (F)
Matthew Tkachuk (F)

Rasmus Andersson (D)
Noah Hanifin (D)
Christopher Tanev (D)

Jacob Markstrom (G)

Available

Byron Froese (F)
Glenn Gawdin (F)
Justin Kirkland (F)
Josh Leivo (F)
Milan Lucic (F)
Joakim Nordstrom (F)
Matthew Phillips (F)
Zac Rinaldo (F)
Brett Ritchie (F)
Buddy Robinson (F)
Derek Ryan (F)
Dominik Simon (F)

Mark Giordano (D)
Oliver Kylington (D)
Nikita Nesterov (D)
Alexander Petrovic (D)
Michael Stone (D)

Louis Domingue (G)
Tyler Parsons (G)

Who Will Seattle Select?

Originally, I felt strongly that Brad Treliving would do all he could to ensure that the Kraken stayed away from Mark Giordano. However, with reports of the asking price being incredibly high for such deals, I do not see the Flames able to make that happen.

Though it will be an emotional blow for both the organization and fanbase, it's hard to imagine a situation where the Kraken doesn't take Giordano. It just makes too much sense on many different levels.

The interesting thing will be whether Seattle decides to hold onto Giordano or flip him. Both are feasible moves, with Calgary's captain likely generating interest across the league.

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