For all of the disruptions to the hockey schedule, the Seattle Kraken’s NHL inauguration is continuing as planned. They are slated to begin play during the 2021-2022 season, with the Expansion Draft taking place in June of 2021.
For any new fans of hockey and the Rangers (or for anyone in need of a reminder), Seattle will select one player from each NHL team to fill up its organizational depth chart. However, teams will be able to protect an assortment of players from the draft. There are a couple of ways for teams to do so, but the most common scenario, and the one the Rangers are virtually guaranteed to use, is protecting seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goaltender.