Not fantasy related, but the Hockey Hall of Fame inductees for the year will be released today. As long as Alexander Mogilny and Caroline Ouellette, make it in, then I'm happy.

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Before we get to the fun part of the article, I just wanted to go over some Bruins goalies. They signed their number-three netminder to a one-year extension on Monday. It's interesting to see that he didn't get one of the fairly standard two-year deals that has a full one-way term for the second year (one-way means he makes the same amount in the NHL as he would at the AHL level, and it's usually an indication NHL teams are going to keep these players with the pro club).

Right now, Bussi is stuck behind Jeremy Swayman (RFA), and Linus Ullmark (two years remaining). It is possible one gets moved this offseason, but with that extension to Bussi this year it looks like that won't be the Bruins' plan A. After an excellent year at the AHL level, the 24-year-old is getting close to being NHL ready, and though he may not be more than a future backup, he could see some games with the Bruins as soon as this year if there is a trade/injury.

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With Vegas having won the cup, and Seattle's upward trajectory apparent this year, we're all familiar with the NHL expansion process. Years ago, when we had the draft for Vegas, it was a fun and new exercise to review in the summer and gave us tons of material to write about. When Seattle's draft was running two years ago, we knew how the process worked, what to look for, and in some ways, what to expect.

What I think I didn't quite appreciate at the time, was how it forced us to take a deep dive into each team's situation, and how we viewed their roster construction. I think it would be fun to try that again this offseason in the calm before the storm, evaluating what an expansion team this summer would look like.

For the purposes of that, we are going to assume the same rules that Seattle/Vegas had in place, those two teams won't be exempt here, and I am going to be doing this a little more loosely as I don't have a CapFriendly page set up to help guide which players are available or not for this new team.

We're going to call this team the Atlanta Thrashers just for fun:

Anaheim Ducks – Brett Leason (RW)

The Ducks really don't have much of value outside of their core right now, and with Leason at least there is some term and a player that would either help out an AHL team, or could pinch-hit on an NHL 4^th line. Anaheim has room to acquire some players in the offseason, or just promote from within. From a fantasy perspective, buying in now on the low value of Jamie Drysdale might be the best possible investment you could make.

Arizona Coyotes – Connor Ingram (G)

Claimed off waivers last season, Ingram put up better save percentage numbers, a much better GSAA, and a higher quality start percentage than teammate Karel Vejmelka. Ingram is still only 26, and seems to have his health under control now as well. It will be tough to showcase it in Arizona with the fairly barren depth they have otherwise at the moment, but he could break out sometime in the next few years. Especially if Vejmelka gets traded as has been rumoured in the past.

Boston Bruins – Matt Grzelcyk (LD)

Assuming that Atlanta wouldn't be an attractive option to try and entice a UFA like Tyler Bertuzzi, the other options are one of Boston's two goalies, or a defenceman such as Grzelcyk. I am assuming that were this draft to actually transpire, Boston would either trade one of their goalies elsewhere, or work out a deal to have the Thrashers pass on the unprotected Ullmark (of the two he is older, has the higher salary, an injury history, and is two years away from pricing himself out of Boston as a free agent anyways). Meanwhile, Grzelcyk provides some solid underlying numbers, and a capable puck-mover for the second pair.

Buffalo Sabres – Victor Olofsson (RW)

The first top-six forward, it shouldn't be a surprise as this is where Buffalo has the most depth. Moving out the one-dimensional Olofsson is something they may do anyways in order to create room for some of their prospects, as well as add further cap flexibility. A fresh start would be good for Olofsson who is a three-time 20 goal scorer, and will be playing for a new contract this year. A good buy-low outside of cap leagues at the moment.

Calgary Flames – Oliver Kylington (LD)

Like with Boston, an expansion draft would force the hand of new GM Craig Conroy to move one of the incumbent goalies Dan Vladar or Jacob Markstrom, and run a tandem with Dustin Wolf. As a result, the Thrashers would take a chance on the return of Kylington, who is said to be excited to get back into NHL games in the fall. Before missing all of the 2022-23 season, Kylington began the 2021-22 year with 19 points in 33 games in the first-half, before tailing off a little as the year went on. It's that kind of offence that can be hard to find, especially in younger players.

Carolina Hurricanes – Brent Burns (RD)

The Hurricanes daringly expose the 38-year-old Burns, as they have too many forwards and three other top-defencemen to protect. Losing Burns will also help them extend Brett Pesce, who has been in the rumour mill over in the real world this summer. Burns would be an excellent addition to an expansion team, providing some character, leadership, and offence, before being traded to a contender at the deadline so he can chase a cup. Burns' deployment in Carolina last year was excellent, and he will need that kind of sheltering again if he is to maintain his production.

Chicago Blackhawks – Jonathan Toews (C)

With less to select from here than either Arizona or Anaheim gave us, Toews at least presents some intangibles like with Burns. Having his negotiating rights would provide some value that wouldn't in turn hurt the Thrashers against the cap or contract limits in the future. Toews could also agree to a one-year deal ahead of time with the handshake agreement to be traded to a team of his choosing before the season at 50% retention. Tell me Boston or Colorado wouldn't give up a pick to have Toews in their lineup at $500K.

In reality though, it's possible Toews steps away, as he hasn't been the same player the last few years. Looking at his underlying stats though, it does seem like he was adversely impacted by the wasteland that was the Blackhawks last year. There is still a bit of upside, especially on the power play.

Colorado Avalanche – Josh Manson (RD)

The Avalanche usually seem to sneak through this without losing too much, and again they manage it by protecting their top four forwards and four defencemen along with Alexandar Georgiev. The loss of Manson would be palpable for COL (though it may instead be Sam Girard or Devon Toews that they trade in the real world this summer to manage contracts), and would certainly have an adverse effect on the goaltending. Manson adds a reliable option on the right side for a contender, or someone that could be flipped for an asset. Last year in a limited number of games, Manson was up over the combined 5.0 Hits+Blks+Shots that I like to have for my fantasy leagues that count peripherals.

Note his no-trade clause doesn't kick in until the summer of 2024.

Columbus Blue Jackets – Jack Roslovic (C)

Columbus is a tough one to project in terms of who they might protect, but one player that needs a change of scenery that the Blue Jackets might be willing to get off their books to free up some cap and roster space would be Roslovic. The 26-year-old has taken a step back in the two years following his breakout during the pandemic-shortened season. He has multiple seasons at or above the 70% IPP mark that we like to see though, and could still get himself back on track towards being a 60-point top-six centre.

Dallas Stars – Max Domi (C)

Top-line centres are extremely hard to come by, so the free agent Domi would be the selection from the Stars by default, as they have nothing else worthwhile that would be exposed. Might as well take the risk on having the money to lock Domi in longer-term right before the cap jumps. This would be the best-case scenario for Domi, who will need to be the focal point at centre for a team's offence in order to thrive. Otherwise he gets lost in the shuffle like he did with the Stars last year (seven points in 20 games).

Detroit Red Wings – Joe Veleno (C)

Veleno was the 30^th selection back in 2018, where many pundits felt that he fell later in the draft than his skillset deserved. Thus far, he has been a serviceable player in the bottom-six, but has not had a chance to flourish on a scoring line with other skilled players. He is approaching his breakout threshold though, and would be an excellent bet for a younger team to make.

Yes, I am aware that Veleno would technically be ineligible to be selected, but there wasn't really anyone else on Detroit that I felt like discussing, and it's possible he would have been left unprotected if he wasn't automatically exempt.

Edmonton Oilers – Jack Campbell (G)

The Oilers don't have a lot of other options on who is worth selecting, as they have a fairly tight core. They do however have two starting goalies, and they are likely to expose the one who was less consistent last year, and has the larger contract. Campbell has been excellent in streaks during his career, but can't seem to keep it all together for four quarters in a season. It can be tough on goalies moving to a new team though, so watch for a bounce-back with Edmonton this year.

Florida Panthers – Eetu Luostarinen (C/LW)

The Panthers can protect most of their important core, though the underrated Luostarainen would be an excellent grab by an expansion team. He is the kind of player that would break out like Willam Karlsson or Jonathan Marchessault if he suddenly sees more ice time.

Los Angeles Kings – Mikey Anderson (LD)

The Kings would be in trouble here with as many as eight forwards worth protecting, and five defencemen. They're going to lose one, and the lesser evil is them ensuing it's Mikey Anderson, who may be young with a team-friendly contract (bonuses for Atlanta) but he doesn't have the same upside as the others. He's less of a factor on the stat sheet, and thus will likely never be hugely fantasy relevant, but he makes a big difference on the ice as a smart and capable two-way player.

Minnesota Wild – Sam Steel (C/LW)

It's tempting to say Mark-Andre Fleury here, but his NMC would ensure he was protected. Something would likely be figured out to keep Filip Gustavsson in the fold, so it would end up being a skater selected. Sam Steel played some top-line minutes this year, and has some contract flexibility as an RFA. Both would be attractive as an expansion team, though it's unlikely he ends up topping his 2022-23 numbers at any point in his career.

Montreal Canadiens – Denis Gurianov (RW)

There are shades of Valeri Nichushin here with the big, enigmatic Russian taking a while to develop with the Dallas Stars, going elsewhere, and everyone is then still waiting for him to hit it big. He will need the right deployment, and maybe another season and a half of games to hit his 400-game breakout threshold. This is the kind of bet and expansion team, or a retooling fantasy team, might take a swing with.

Nashville Predators – Ryan Johansen (C)

The Predators don't have the same veteran depth that they used to, and they aren't five-deep on the blueline anymore either. With a lot of prospects coming up, they need room in the top-six, and are not opposed to leaving Johansen open for the taking. With only two years left on his $8 million AAV contract, it's no longer looked upon like the anchor it once was. For an expansion team that won't (or at least shouldn't) have cap problems in the first two years – especially with the rising cap – Johansen presents as a realistic top-line option to start out with. He's due a bounce-back after some terrible puck luck last year, and he might even come at a discount on his next deal.

New Jersey Devils – Nathan Bastian (RW)

The Devils are in a great spot for this with the core in place, a loaded pipeline, but not too many veterans that they can't protect the important ones. Bastian started out the season on a 30-point scoring pace, but dropped off as the year went on. He has that kind of skillset though, and would be an excellent third liner as someone who fore-checks well as well.

New York Islanders – Jean Gabriel Pageau (C)

The Islanders have more than three defencemen that they would want to protect, especially with the price they paid to acquire Alex Romanov. As a result, Pageau is left unprotected up front. The cap-strapped Islanders wouldn't be too upset about losing their fourth-best centre who is paid $5 million. Pageau is a reliable middle-six centre who can play up the lineup when needed, and has paced for over 40 points in each of the last four seasons despite playing on some teams allergic to offence. He also started only 28% of his shifts in the offensive zone last year, so that is bound to improve this season too.

New York Rangers – Ryan Lindgren (LD)

The top-seven forwards, in addition to Adam Fox, K'Andre Miller, and a no movement clause for Jacob Trouba means that the 25-year-old top-pair defenceman is exposed and snatched up by Atlanta. Lindgren has been an excellent anchoring presence for Fox, who doesn't produce as well when Lindgen has been out of the lineup. He's on a bargain $3 million contract that expires next summer, where he will still be a restricted free agent. Fantasy-wise, his offensive upside may top-out around 30 points, though at least his plus-minus is still excellent.

Ottawa Senators – Mark Kastelic (C)

The Senators have a perfect shape of their core for this, with there being very little to choose from as a selection here. Kastelic was very serviceable as a fourth-line centre last year though, and is signed for two more years at a cheap rate. He adds a lot of peripherals too: in 65 games he racked up 102 PIMs, 73 SOG, 154 Hits, and 336 FOWs, despite playing less than nine minutes per game. His full-season pace if he played 12 minutes per game instead:  20 points, 170 PIMs, 122 SOG, 257 Hits, 561 FOWs.

Philadelphia Flyers – Morgan Frost (C/LW)

The Flyers have a lot of forwards they would want to keep, so much so that I looked at going the eight-skater route to only protect forwards, and leaving all of their defencemen unprotected. Unfortunately, Travis Sanheim's NTC I think would force him to be protected. This leaves Frost as the

Pittsburgh Penguins – Jan Rutta (RD)

As a depth, right-shot defenceman, Rutta should be very low maintenance and be a worthwhile selection instead of taking on one of the bigger contracts that would be left open up front. Likely Atlanta could force Pittsburgh to attach a pick to Rutta so that they could shed the cap too. No fantasy value here, and it really highlights how shallow the Penguins roster is. Either the top players are all going to be playing 20+ minutes a night, or the team will be putting a lot of sub-par players on the ice quite often next year. Beware their goaltending, and the plus-minus for all of their skaters.

San Jose – James Reimer (G)

Honestly, their roster has too few assets to begin with, and most of the fringe players would be exempt anyways. This is one of those spots where you either get paid big to take on Mark-Edward Vlasic and bury him, or take a free agent for their negotiating rights. Regardless, the fact that it looks more-dire here than in Philadelphia and Anaheim, San Jose needs to realize that the better path forward is moving Tomas Hertl, Logan Couture, and Erik Karlsson while they still can. I came back to this pick last and will use it just to take the third goalie I need with UFA James Reimer.

Seattle Kraken – Daniel Sprong (RW)

Sprong has some excellent impacts underlying and overall offensive impacts, and just needs more minutes in which to make that difference. Scorers are the issue on an expansion team, and he would be both younger and cheaper than Olofsson. Cliffy has also been beating that drum and detailing the numbers all summer on how Sprong needs more minutes and could be a big fantasy contributor from there.

St. Louis – Marco Scandella (LD)

The St. Louis situation is confusing because the Blues have so much trade protection among their defencemen. I'm assuming here I could get an asset out of them in order to take Scandella and his over-priced one-year contract off of their hands. That also just simplifies things on my end. They're a team to watch this summer with their three first-round picks, but for now I have no idea what direction this team is going.

Tampa Bay Lightning – Tanner Jeannot (LW)

After giving up a plethora of picks for the expert grinder, one of Ross Colton or Jeannot may be priced out of Tampa anyways, so losing one in this expansion draft would be bearable. Jeannot would bring an element that not a lot of players can, and should settle in to a shooting percentage between his breakout year 20%, and the five percent he shot last season. A more realistic 13% shooting percentage for him, and some better luck for his teammates as well (which was also very low) would have seen him in the 30- to 35-point range over the 76 games he played. With his peripherals, even 35 points is an excellent contribution.

Toronto Maple Leafs – Nicholas Robertson (LW)

The good thing for Toronto is that with them having such a defined core, they don't have a ton to lose in the expansion draft. The decision came down to Calle Jarnkrok, Connor Timmins, or Robertson, and choosing the player with the longer developmental runway seems like the smart choice for a franchise that wouldn't have much in the pipeline to begin with. Robertson hasn't been able to stay healthy enough to live up to the potential he was drafted for, but a change of scenery may serve him well. Keep an eye on him this year while all your league-mates are finally tired of hearing about him and waiting for him. Robertson is still only 21.

Vancouver Canucks – Conor Garland (RW)

I can't for the life of me figure out why Vancouver would consider buying out or paying to dump Garland. He is part of the secondary scoring that they need, and his sub-$5 million cap hit is not extremely onerous. His floor seems to be a 47-point pace when he sees 15 minutes of overall ice time. With a higher percentage of power play time and a little extra time at evens, he has already shown he can be a 65-point winger. Those don't come around very often without a high price tag, let alone for a 27-year-old with three years still on his contract.

Vegas Golden Knights – Zach Whitecloud (RD)

We know Vegas is going to have to move some money around this summer, or they will be stashing Mark Stone on LTIR for most of the year. In the meantime, Atlanta isn't going to be helping them with their cap issues, taking the 26-year-old Whitecloud to be a top-four option for them. His $2.75 million contract is a bargain even now, but it also extends for five more seasons. He's not exactly a fantasy gem, but he can eat up minutes and would be an excellent complement to some of the puck-movers we have on the left side here.

Washington Capitals – Alexander Alexeyev (LD)

Most expansion teams end up selecting a lot more defencemen than they need, and Alexeyev makes either great trade bait, or a solid number six/seven entering the year. He has a decent pedigree, played well developing in Russia, and then made a good transition to the AHL two seasons ago, and then up to the NHL part-time last season. Alexeyev has a new two-year, one-way deal with an $825K cap hit, and that should nearly guarantee him a roster spot in the fall. His offence may be a few years away, but he has some multi-category production in the meantime.

Winnipeg Jets – Nino Niederreiter (LW)

Nino is one of those selections where you just know he would be trade bait by the deadline, and maybe he could fetch Atlanta a second-round pick, exactly the price Winnipeg paid for him only months ago. He's a 40- to 50-point player that can play up and down the lineup, but hasn't seemed to be able to push his ceiling any higher over the last number of years. 

Atlanta's Roster:

Forwards:

Frost – Johansen – Garland

Niederreiter – Roslovic – Olofsson

Luostarainen – Pageau – Sprong

Jeannot – Kastelic – Guranov

Extras: Robertson, Veleno, Bastian, Leason, Steel

Defence:

Lindgren – Burns

Grzelcyk – Whitecloud

Kylington – Manson

Anderson

Extras: Alexeyev, Scandella, Rutta

Goalies:

Campbell

Ingram

Gone via FA: Toews, Domi, Reimer

* See you next Wednesday. In the meantime, you can find me on Twitter@alexdmaclean if you have any fantasy hockey questions or comments.