"Expansionistics" : NMCs, The Good, The Bad, & The Negotiable

How is Hjalmarsson in the "negotiable" group while Seabrook is in the "good"? That's bad management. Hjalmarsson is the better of the two, the younger of the two, and isn't in massive decline. I believe he's also cheaper.

How is Hjalmarsson in the "negotiable" group while Seabrook is in the "good"? That's bad management. Hjalmarsson is the better of the two, the younger of the two, and isn't in massive decline. I believe he's also cheaper.
- Rexypoo

Absolutely correct. What would be the fallout for letting Seabrook go for nothing?

I also find it hard to believe Letang goes unprotected. Considering McPhee stated every team's players are up for grabs at the right price, and assuming Pittsburgh sorts out their goalie situation, Letang would be auctioned to the highest bidder. Yes he has a bad injury history, but he is still an elite defenseman.

I also find it hard to believe Letang goes unprotected. Considering McPhee stated every team's players are up for grabs at the right price, and assuming Pittsburgh sorts out their goalie situation, Letang would be auctioned to the highest bidder. Yes he has a bad injury history, but he is still an elite defenseman.
- JohnnySoze

Yes he is. 1) I don't think LV would make a player with Letang's injury history their highest paid player. Whoever gets that honor needs to be a home run on and off the ice. 2) His $7.25M contact for five more seasons would rule him out. Just too many question marks for an expansion team to invest in Letang.

I am unclear on some of the nuances of NMC and the expansion draft.

Players with a NMC must be protected. I get that.

However, does this apply to all forms of NMC? There are "full NMC" and "limited NMC". Is there any distinction in the expansion draft between the varying degrees of NMC's?

I am unclear on some of the nuances of NMC and the expansion draft.

Players with a NMC must be protected. I get that.

However, does this apply to all forms of NMC? There are "full NMC" and "limited NMC". Is there any distinction in the expansion draft between the varying degrees of NMC's?
- GalacticStone

No distinction from limited NMC and full NMC. All have to be protected. Only difference is between NMC and NTC.

If letang is available he will be taken. I don't care how inured he is. He's an elite defenseman. He's taken. He won't be available, Rutherford isn't a moron.

I think you should reconsider your ranking of the Canuck NMC groupings. If you just poll the Canuck thread I dare you to find one poster who would agree with you.

The Sedins belong clearly in Group 2. Let alone the bad factor. You can't pick one and expect them to play or function without the other. Unfortunately they won't go there. But there isn't much to protect. Boucher and Guance don't really rate that move. LE may not be group 2 but 3 for Vegas he's the kind of legit player that could help them out.

If letang is available he will be taken. I don't care how inured he is. He's an elite defenseman. He's taken. He won't be available, Rutherford isn't a moron.
- MarkStoned

I agree they will take him. They can take him and then turn around and trade for younger players that teams are probably protecting in the draft. Even with his injury history, he is an elite defensemen. Someone will always pay for them.

Letang = Not happening

Yes he is. 1) I don't think LV would make a player with Letang's injury history their highest paid player. Whoever gets that honor needs to be a home run on and off the ice. 2) His $7.25M contact for five more seasons would rule him out. Just too many question marks for an expansion team to invest in Letang.
- Ed Stein

he really doesnt...I am sure several teams would be glad to pay him that right now

How is Hjalmarsson in the "negotiable" group while Seabrook is in the "good"? That's bad management. Hjalmarsson is the better of the two, the younger of the two, and isn't in massive decline. I believe he's also cheaper.
- Rexypoo

This stood out to me as well...those two should be switched. I would love for the Hawks to be able to get rid of Seabrook. He's had some great years for us, but he is sharply declining and his contract is terrible, 6.875 mil per for 7 more years (age 39). Hjalmarsson is a good deal at only 4.1 mil per for 2 more years (age 31).

Absolutely correct. What would be the fallout for letting Seabrook go for nothing?
- Ed Stein

a parade for bowman?

If letang is available he will be taken. I don't care how inured he is. He's an elite defenseman. He's taken. He won't be available, Rutherford isn't a moron.
- MarkStoned

This .
Beyond any doubt.


There's a few others in that 2nd group that I had to double take as well.

Beyond building for the future, they also wanna win games sooner rather than later. This is a warm climate, non traditional market don't forget. The novelty will wear off rather quickly if they don't experience some semblance of success in the first few seasons.

That said, guys like koivu, hossa and backes would absolutely be considered by Vegas.

way to stick to the facts Ed, not an ounce of speculation in this blog