The Columbus Blue Jackets will have a lot of changes occur between now and the time that Seattle selects their player from the team. For the sake of this prediction and as a result of not knowing the future, we will assume every player re-signs with the Blue Jackets between now and then.
Using the Capfriendly expansion tool to enforce the rules, I selected seven forwards I would protect if the draft were today.
1. Artemi Panarin
There’s a good chance Artemi Panarin won’t be with the Columbus Blue Jackets by the time the expansion draft comes around, but if he is then he’ll certainly be protected by management.