Buffalo Sabres: How Does the Expansion Draft Impact Them?

With the 2017 expansion draft influencing every general manager’s decision-making, we consider how it will affect the Buffalo Sabres.

The expansion draft may not be taking place until next year, but you know the Buffalo Sabres and the rest of the NHL are already thinking ahead. The impending draft has a significant impact on how every general manager is currently conducting their business.

In respect of the Sabres, fans are undoubtedly wondering how their team is affected? (Click here for a link to the rules for the expansion draft.) Let’s start with the simple business of confirming who is exempt from the draft:

Goaltenders: Anders Nilsson and Jason Kasdorf – Defensemen: Brendan Guhle, Brycen Martin, Casey Nelson and Erik Burgdoerfer – Forwards: Hudson Fasching, Alexander Nylander, Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart, Evan Rodrigues, Eric Cornel, Nicholas Baptiste, Vaclav Karabacek and Justin Bailey.

More from Buffalo Sabres

Next up, all players who have no movement clauses at the time of the draft, must be protected. In the case of the Sabres, this means Kyle Okposo and Zach Bogosian.

With Okposo and Bogosian covered, this leaves one goaltender, two defensemen and six more forwards to protect. (We prefer this approach, as opposed to just protecting eight skaters and one goalie.) Starting in goal, it’s pretty much a no-brainer that Robin Lehner will be protected, leaving Linus Ullmark eligible to be picked by Las Vegas.

Moving to the blue line, you can’t envision any scenario where the Sabres won’t protect Rasmus Ristolainen. With one space remaining, in our position we would add Jake McCabe.

This leaves Dmitry Kulikov, Josh Gorges, Cody Franson, Justin Falk, Brady Austin and Taylor Fedun eligible. As things stand, you figure Kulikov is a good bet to be considered by Las Vegas.

However, It’s worth noting the Russian’s situation could change, depending on if the Sabres decide they want to re-sign him. (He will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2016-17 season.) Regardless, we would still protect McCabe.

Mar 28, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Matt Moulson (26) skates with the puck in the third period against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. Detroit won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Finally, we turn to the forwards and right off the bat, we’re going to protect Ryan O’Reilly and Tyler Ennis. We would also do the same with Marcus Foligno and Johan Larsson.

This leaves two more forwards to pick, and this is where it gets really interesting. For a start, Zemgus Girgensons‘ contract situation remains unresolved.

However, we’re going to take a positive approach and assume it comes to a satisfactory conclusion – the Sabres are eager to re-sign him – so add Girgensons to the list. This leaves one more player to protect.

A lot of people would select Evander Kane, just because of his value and skill level. However, even allowing for the possibility he may well be found innocent of the recent charges against him, the guy has become a disruptive influence in Buffalo and it’s best if he leaves.

More from Tip of the Tower

Of course, there’s no guarantee anyone else would what to take on Kane’s baggage, but in any event, we wouldn’t protect him. With this in mind, we instead pick Nicolas Deslauriers.

As such, in addition to Kane, Matt Moulson, Brian Gionta, Cody McCormick, Cal O’Reilly, William Carrier, Jean Dupuy, Derek Grant, Justin Kea, Cole Schneider and Daniel Catenacci would all be exposed. At this juncture, our educated guess is that Kane and Moulson are the players most at risk from being selected by Las Vegas.

Ultimately, this is just our opinion, with no way of knowing for sure how things will play out. Regardless, we will be taking a particular interest in Kulikov and Kane during the coming months.

Next: Don't blame Tim Murray too much for Kane fiasco

Imagine you’re in Tim Murray’s position. Is there anyone in particular you want to see protected or or left eligible, and why? Let us know in the comments section below.

Home/Buffalo Sabres