NHL Expansion: Ottawa Senators Protected List
By Jack Leiper
Marc 16, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Mika Zibanejad (93) during warmup prior to game against Colorado Avalanche at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Forwards:
PROTECTED:
Bobby Ryan – A player Ottawa gave up three big assets for, signed to a long contract. Had a shaky end to the season, but projects upwards heading into 2015-16.
Kyle Turris – The team’s first line center on a very favourable contract.
Mark Stone – Newly signed RFA, requiring protection. Coming off a Calder worthy season with over 60 points. Only 22-years-old, projects to be a franchise player for quite some time.
Mike Hoffman – A pending RFA, led the team in goals. Projects to be a solid top 6 player for a while while using his incredible speed, especially in the newly formatted 3-on-3 OT.
Clarke MacArthur – An important piece to Ottawa’s top 6 who had ups and downs last season. Finished the year strong and is signed for 5 more seasons. Should remain in Ottawa, still among one of their top 7 forwards.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau – A speedy center, signed to a favourable deal. Should play in Ottawa’s depth units for quite some time. He remains in a Senators jersey.
Mika Zibanejad – ELC is up, Zibanejad is signed to his post RFA contract and requires protection. It’s a no-brainer to protect Zibanejad, who played well as a second-line center this past year.
UN-PROTECTED:
Alex Chiasson – A main piece received in the Jason Spezza trade. Didn’t display much in 15-16 and struggled mightily at times. He’s a piece you’d like to keep and hope does well for marketing reasons, but he cannot be justified being protected over any of the 7 listed above.
Colin Greening – A terrible contract, no longer an NHL player, Senators hope he is somehow selected.
Chris Neil – A somewhat reliable veteran, plays a grit game and does hold value. He’s likely selected, but cannot be protected by the Senators given the current situation.
Milan Michalek – A good player who displayed this past season that he can still play in an NHL’s top 6, if not surely a top 9. Has some speed and good hockey sense, but the 4 million dollar AAV leaves him
Zack Smith – Had 13 and 14 goal seasons, once looked like a proven, solid 3rd line center. Had a very, very rough year in 14-15 and is eligible to be selected in the NHL’s expansion draft.
Shane Prince – The most notable prospect who is eligible for selection given his non ELC status. There’s a good chance he’s taken as he is a young, speedy forward with high potential. The Senators just can’t afford to protect prince.
Others Eligible For Selection: Cole Schneider, Chris Wideman, Erik Condra, Eric O’Dell, Zach Stortini