2021 NHL Expansion Draft: Projected Metro Division Picks
Ahead of the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft on Wednesday, we’ll be going team-by-team for each division and drafting the projected future Seattle Kraken roster based off of the protected lists released on Sunday. The main strategy in the drafting process was to find young players on cheap, short-term contracts. UFA players were generally avoided and the picks were made with the expectation that about about a third of the roster will be flipped for entry draft picks and prospects.
The Metropolitan Division looks like it could be a great option for Seattle to gain some trade capital. There’s a few decent offensive names out their for Ron Francis to pick from and multiple candidates to pick and flip to build the Kraken’s draft picks and prospects pool.
Make sure to check out the early odds on next year’s Stanley Cup, the odds on which Canadian team will be the next Cup winner and NHL Entry Draft props.
Projected Metropolitan Division Picks
Carolina Hurricanes – Jake Bean, 23 (LD)
Bean makes sense here as Ron Francis was the one who drafted him 13th overall at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Carolina’s defensive depth didn’t allow Bean to get much of a chance, but he should get a better opportunity with the Kraken.
Columbus Blue Jackets – Kevin Stenlund, 24 (RW/C)
I was tempted to take Max Domi, but his $5.3 million cap hit was too much to swallow. Stenlund makes less than $1.0 million and is more defensively responsible than Domi.
New Jersey Devils – Andreas Johnsson, 26 (LW)
Johnsson is a 20-goal scorer who had an off-year on a bad New Jersey team. At $3.4 million for each of the next two years, Johnsson is a reasonable offensive gamble for a team that will need scoring. I’m banking on Johnsson getting more offensive responsibility with the Kraken and having a rebound year.
New York Islanders – Kieffer Bellows, 23 (C/LW)
I debated taking Jordan Eberle, but again, his $5.5 million cap hit could be better spent elsewhere (Carey Price, anyone?). Bellows definitely hasn’t played up to the potential of a 19th overall pick, but he’s still young and a fresh start could be exactly what he needs for the next stage of his development.
New York Rangers – Colin Blackwell, 28 (C/RW)
Blackwell is a great depth piece and if he can replicate his breakout season from last year, he should fit nicely in the middle of Seattle’s lineup.
Philadelphia Flyers – Shayne Gostisbehere, 28 (LD)
Gostisbehere had an immediate offensive breakout in his first couple of NHL seasons. His value has dipped in the last few years, but I’m not ready to write him off yet. With only two years left on his contract, he’s not a longterm risk. Give him ice time and if he can produce, Seattle either has a top-four D-man or a nice trade piece.
Pittsburgh Penguins – Zach Aston-Reese, 26 (LW/RW)
Aston-Reese flies under the radar because his offensive numbers don’t jump out at you, but that’s not what I like about him. He’s a defensive shutdown winger who thrives on the penalty-kill. Aston-Reese is an RFA and should be cheap to resign.
Washington Capitals – Justin Schultz, 31 (RD)
Schultz is a reasonably producing offensive defenceman with two Stanley Cups under his belt. Ron Francis could elect to make him a staple on the right side, but I see Schultz being a prime candidate to get picked and flipped.
How the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft Works?
Seattle will draft one player from every team except for the Golden Knights. Vegas is exempt because of their own expansion agreement in 2017. At least 20 players need to be under contract for next season with a salary cap hit between $48.9 million and $81.5 million. They need to select a minimum of 14 forwards, nine defencemen and three goalies. The Kraken cannot buyout any players out until next summer. First and second years pro players as well as unsigned draft picks are exempt.
Projected Atlantic Division Picks and Analysis
