Yeah that would make Matthews feel great.

I know it might sound dumb but I don't think that happens. This is Matthews team and bring in Tavares I think would be telling him it's not and might cause a little problem. There are already reports that Matthews and Babcock aren't on best terms. Do the Leafs want to create this type of atmosphere so maybe Matthews decides he eventually wants to hit FA and not sign long term.
- J35Bacher

Matthews doesn't have a choice, he has 7 years left before he uses the "I will walk" strategy.

I wouldn't write Hagg's name down on Seattle's team sheet just yet. The Flyers will have to leave some pretty good forwards unprotected if they only protect 4 of them as well as Provorov, Ghost, Sanheim and Myers.
- Feanor

That's the biggest thing I don't like. The Flyers are going to be in a bad spot, like Columbus, Anaheim and such were with Vegas, when the next draft happens.

Better win the Cup in the next two years then.

Matthews doesn't have a choice, he has 7 years left before he uses the "I will walk" strategy.
- Glak18

I know. But just my feeling they wouldn't bring in Tavares and stitch a "C" on him.

That's the biggest thing I don't like. The Flyers are going to be in a bad spot, like Columbus, Anaheim and such were with Vegas, when the next draft happens.
- dragonoffrost

I can't believe people are already worrying about expansion...every team will be hit the same way and the expansion rules may not even be the same as Vegas. Relax.

That's the biggest thing I don't like. The Flyers are going to be in a bad spot, like Columbus, Anaheim and such were with Vegas, when the next draft happens.
- dragonoffrost

No they wont.

They can make moves. I think teams learned from last year that maybe they were too quick to give up assets for Vegas to not take someone or to take a certain player.

I can't believe people are already worrying about expansion...every team will be hit the same way and the expansion rules may not even be the same as Vegas. Relax.
- Glak18

After Vegas' success in their first year, there's no way they restrict Seattle. If anything they'd probably give them more freedom.

No they wont.

They can make moves. I think teams learned from last year that maybe they were too quick to give up assets for Vegas to not take someone or to take a certain player.
- J35Bacher

I'm seeing most likely Provorov, Ghost, Sanheim, Hagg, Morin, Myers and even Friedman (maybe) as D available during the next draft. I can't see how the new team doesn't grab the best one Hextall leaves out there. It would take having to leave someone like Jake or Simmonds for me to think they'd go forward from the Flyers.

After Vegas' success in their first year, there's no way they restrict Seattle. If anything they'd probably give them more freedom.
- jmatchett383

That's one way to look at it....or realize the owners have more power than Bettman. It may make a great Cinderella story for the media, but owners want to win too and they may look at it as an experiment that needs to be throttled back a bit.

I wouldn't write Hagg's name down on Seattle's team sheet just yet. The Flyers will have to leave some pretty good forwards unprotected if they only protect 4 of them as well as Provorov, Ghost, Sanheim and Myers.
- Feanor

I assume we will send a first or other draft picks to keep those players

https://www.si.com/nhl/20...tle-expansion-vegas-rules

Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly both confirmed the NHL plans to keep the same rules on the next expansion draft. If it happens within the next two years, as increasingly expected, Vegas won't have to lose any of its players, Daly added.

That's one way to look at it....or realize the owners have more power than Bettman. It may make a great Cinderella story for the media, but owners want to win too and they may look at it as an experiment than needs to be throttled back a bit.
- Glak18

Vegas did and Seattle should definitely put pressure on the league for favorable draft rules with the money they are paying to join the league. No way would I pay that money and end up like Ottawa did.

I'm seeing most likely Provorov, Ghost, Sanheim, Hagg, Morin, Myers and even Friedman (maybe) as D available during the next draft. I can't see how the new team doesn't grab the best one Hextall leaves out there. It would take having to leave someone like Jake or Simmonds for me to think they'd go forward from the Flyers.
- dragonoffrost

What? The flyers are clearly going to protect Provy and Ghost are you crazy

I'm seeing most likely Provorov, Ghost, Sanheim, Hagg, Morin, Myers and even Friedman (maybe) as D available during the next draft. I can't see how the new team doesn't grab the best one Hextall leaves out there. It would take having to leave someone like Jake or Simmonds for me to think they'd go forward from the Flyers.
- dragonoffrost

And none of these could be traded by then?

You can have a little idea but I think you need to slow down a little worrying about the future expansion draft.

https://www.si.com/nhl/2018/05/29/gary-bettman-seattle-expansion-vegas-rules

Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly both confirmed the NHL plans to keep the same rules on the next expansion draft. If it happens within the next two years, as increasingly expected, Vegas won't have to lose any of its players, Daly added.
- Feanor

Notice the key words...plans, expects. Not will or guaranteed. Has to be voted on by the owners when the time comes around.

https://www.si.com/nhl/2018/05/29/gary-bettman-seattle-expansion-vegas-rules

Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly both confirmed the NHL plans to keep the same rules on the next expansion draft. If it happens within the next two years, as increasingly expected, Vegas won't have to lose any of its players, Daly added.
- Feanor

That's why I am not thrilled I had heard that was the plan including Vegas being exempt.

What? The flyers are clearly going to protect Provy and Ghost are you crazy
- bulet13

Well pick three to protect was the point I was making. Hell I'd want to protect 5! It'd be Provy, Ghost, Sanheim, Myers and one of Hagg and Morin. That would pretty much ensure losing the other.

I wouldn't write Hagg's name down on Seattle's team sheet just yet. The Flyers will have to leave some pretty good forwards unprotected if they only protect 4 of them as well as Provorov, Ghost, Sanheim and Myers.
- Feanor

Give them Hagg and a pick for their troubles

Give them Hagg and a pick for their troubles
- YuenglingJagr

That's where I'm at

Better win the Cup in the next two years then.
- Feanor

Could happen. One of the 7-9 best teams already

So you just called Provorov a baby also?


j/k
- dragonoffrost

I do think Provorov hasn’t hit his full potential yet

Well pick three to protect was the point I was making. Hell I'd want to protect 5! It'd be Provy, Ghost, Sanheim, Myers and one of Hagg and Morin. That would pretty much ensure losing the other.
- dragonoffrost

Convert Ghost to wing now and the problem is largely solved. Kills two birds with one stone tbh

Convert Ghost to wing now and the problem is largely solved. Kills two birds with one stone tbh
- YuenglingJagr

Matthews doesn't have a choice, he has 7 years left before he uses the "I will walk" strategy.
- Glak18

Exactly. Toronto hasn't won in 50 years. Nobody cares about his feelings in order to add an 80-point center to replace Tyler Bozak

That's why I am not thrilled I had heard that was the plan including Vegas being exempt.
- dragonoffrost

Any logic for Vegas being exempt, or is it simply because they want to appease the new fanbase?