Seattle Kraken expansion draft protection lists, available players

The Seattle Kraken are joining the NHL for the 2021-22 season, where they will play in the Pacific Division. The front office and coaching staff has taken shape, and Climate Pledge Arena is on track to be ready, but the team needs players.

The Kraken will select one player from 30 NHL teams, as the Vegas Golden Knights are exempt from the draft. The selections will be revealed beginning on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET during a 90-minute special on ESPN2.

Teams could choose to protect seven forwards, three defensemen and a goalie, or they could protect eight skaters and a goalie if they felt the need to protect a fourth defenseman -- something the Nashville Predators, Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto…