I think Calgary's expansion list is pretty straight forward. They keep all their core players and emerging young players like Andrew Mangiapane and Dillon Dube.
The key players I have being exposed are Sam Bennett, Chris Tanev, and David Rittich.
Bennett had an awesome playoffs but his regular season body of work has disappointed for years. If that is the case again in 2020-21, I don't think they'll mind leaving him exposed (if they don't use him as a trade chip prior).
The Flames clearly like Tanev based on the contract they gave him but he's declining and, in my opinion, overpaid. I could see them leaving him exposed.
Rittich is simply a number's game. You can only protect one goaltender and Markstrom will obviously be that guy.
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Thank you so much Todd!
Also Todd and I spoke and I allowed him to have Milan Lucic choose to waive his NMC because of a number of reports which expect that to be the case. Regardless I don't see any danger in Lucic being selected by Seattle.
Calgary certainly has some intriguing options available. Let's take a look at some of the names that are of interest.
Sam Bennett: Drafted one spot after Leon Draisaitl and has not lived up to expectations in Calgary. The now 24 year old has already played in 5 full NHL seasons. His best season came in his first full year where he put up 18 goals and 18 assists and has not been able to replicate that success since.
Oliver Kylington: Young left shot defender who is currently an RFA. 15 points through his first 87 NHL games and has room to grow.
Christopher Tanev: Veteran shutdown defenseman who just signed on in Calgary. His 4.5 million dollar contract is not the worst for a team like Seattle to take on but his skill level as he ages is of some concern.
David Rittich: Big Save Dave, once thought to be the next big starter for the Flames has fallen by the wayside, losing his job last season to Cam Talbot and now certainly lost to Jacob Markstrom. Only 28 years old right now.
SEATTLE SELECTS.....
Sam Bennett
A young highly drafted centre who is still in the prime of his career. I'm not saying that Bennett would do what Eric Haula did in Vegas, putting up 55 points and 29 goals for the Golden Knights after only putting up 26 points the year before with the Wild; but the opportunity would be there for him.
Bennett has shown he has the ability to score goals and play the scrappy game which made him such a highly touted prospect in the first place.