The expansion draft is one year away, and the 2020 offseason is when teams finalize their preparations. It is confirmed that the league will follow the same rules as the Vegas expansion draft. This means teams will protect 7F/3D/1G, or 8 skaters and 1 goalie. The Rangers will almost assuredly go with the former in advance of the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft.
Some of the other rules that apply:
- No move clauses must be protected unless waived. No trade clauses do not.
- First/second year pros and unsigned draft picks are exempt.