Nearly a week since the 2016-17 NHL season ended, the St. Louis Blues have already made some significant rosters decisions in preparation for next year.
Along with the league’s other 29 teams, the Blues submitted their list of protected players for the upcoming expansion draft on Saturday. The team’s list of protected players could be made public later on Sunday.
According to a report last month from Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Blues have decided to protect seven forwards, three defensemen and a goalie. Players with no more than two years of experience, most notably Robby Fabbri and Colton Parayko for St. Louis, are exempt from being selected in the expansion draft.
Expansion draft rules require the Vegas Golden Knights to select one unprotected player from each team, meaning they will take on the contract responsibilities of at least one player who skated with the Blues last season.
More from Analysis
- St. Louis Blues and Cardinals Similar In All The Wrong Ways
- St. Louis Blues Pros/Cons From 2022-23 Game 82 At Dallas
- St. Louis Blues Pros/Cons From 2022-23 Game 81 Vs Dallas
- St. Louis Blues Pros/Cons From 2022-23 Game 80 At Minnesota
- St. Louis Blues Pros/Cons From 2022-23 Game 79 Vs NY Rangers
The league’s first expansion draft since 2000 has a reason to bring anticipation and concern. Based on who the Golden Knights select, the Blues could promote some farm system talent to fill the gap. Yet, someone’s departure could leave the Blues scrambling toward free agency or trade talks to fulfill an urgent need previously exhibited by someone’s departure.
Vegas will have the opportunity to select 30 players in a combination with at least 14 forwards, nine defensemen and three goaltenders. Considering the stakes ahead for the Golden Knights and the Blues, there are five likely victims whose hockey careers may continue away from the Gateway City as soon as this week.
Among these five players are three forwards, one defenseman and one goalie who stand out, all holding different levels of experience in the NHL and with the St. Louis Blues.