Teams can choose between two options to protect players (players with effective NMCs at the time of the draft must be protected by their respective teams):
- Seven forwards, three defensemen, one goaltender
- Eight skaters, one goaltender
Let’s take a look at the Leafs players who meet or are projected to meet the exposure requirements (teams must leave at least 2 forwards, 1 defenseman, and 1 goalie exposed):
- Forwards: Nazem Kadri, James van Riemsdyk, Tyler Bozak, Milan Michalek, Colin Greening, Matt Martin
- Defense: Morgan Rielly, Jake Gardiner, Martin Marincin, Connor Carrick
- Goalies: Frederik Andersen, Garret Sparks, Antoine Bibeau
With the above lists in mind, here are the players I would protect in the expansion draft (you’re welcome to disagree with me on this).