The New York Islanders general manager Garth Snow found himself in a big predicament as the expansion draft was closing in. He had far too many players to protect for expansion. It looked like a very bad scenario for the former goaltender and the Isles organization.
Expansion Rules
The expansion rules hurt teams that had the deepest organizations. The Islanders fell in that category. In addition to their NHL roster, the Isles had to also worry about protecting both Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech.
Based on the players potentially to be exposed Snow did not want to lose nine forwards and six defensemen.