In October of 2017, the National Hockey League will welcome in its 31st franchise: the Vegas Golden Knights. Per NHL standards, in mid-June the brand new team will have a chance to pick up players from preexisting teams to construct a heavy force for its inaugural season.
Now, what would this mean for the Dallas Stars?
Well, each of the 30 current NHL teams are permitted to protect a cast of either seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goaltender, or one goaltender and eight skaters regardless of position (for teams looking to lay hold on an additional forward or several extra blueliners).