The 2020 NHL offseason has been unlike any offseason before it, with the COVID-19 pandemic throwing the normal summer hockey schedule into complete disarray. The 2021 offseason also projects to be highly eventful, not because of an ongoing pandemic (hopefully...) but due to all of the action around the Seattle Kraken joining the league as the 32nd team.
With the Wild done making moves in free agency, where does the roster currently stand with regards to expansion and who the Wild might protect?
NHL Expansion Rules
First, a quick refresher on the basic rules for anyone needing reminding:
- Teams can choose to protect seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goalie, or eight skaters and one goalie
- All players with no-movement clauses must be protected
- First and second-year players are exempt
- Seattle must select at least 14 forwards, nine defensemen, and three goalies
A full rundown of the expansion rules can be found here.