The NHL will be adding a 32nd franchise for the 2021-22 season when Seattle makes its debut.
We saw how quickly the Las Vegas Golden Knights became a force in the league, qualifying for the Stanley Cup Final in their very first season.
Commissioner Gary Bettman will stick with the same format for Seattle, giving current NHL teams the option to protect seven forwards three defenseman, and a goalie; or eight skaters —regardless of position— and a goaltender. Teams will have to expose at least two forwards, and one blue liner who either played 40 games the previous seasons, or 70 combined over the last seasons.