Since the New York Islanders joined the NHL in 1972 they’ve participated in nine expansion drafts, including the one that created our own team, and the Atlanta Flames. RIP.
Going back through the 70’s to the 2000 expansion draft, It’s impressive to see how little the NHL cared for new franchises. In the 1972 draft teams could protect seventeen players. Leaving two teams to fight over the scraps.
In 2000 teams had the option of protecting a goalie, five defensemen, and nine forwards or two goalies, three defensemen and seven forwards. No wonder Columbus and Minnesota finished 23rd and 25th respectively.