As I it on the sidelines preparing for the expansion draft I am amazed at some of the deals I see and realize it will probably get worse as the trade deadline approaches. Rex and I are very open to suggestions. One thing that is very important. If you are considering offering a prospect during the draft I strongly suggest you give me a couple of names prior to the expansion draft as I will be unable to look up players that I have minimal knowledge of during the draft.

 

 

 

Commish note – this is true, we will be hammering the draft out at once, the ability for GMs to make on the fly discussions at the draft table will be minimal.

 

 

 

As for goalies, we are both open to accepting compensation to disregard an unprotected goalie. A draft pick or a comparable prospect would get in done in most cases. The round of the draft pick is dependent on the ability of the player. I think it is fair to say that Rex and I are not currently on the same page with goalies.  It is to your benefit to reach out to us early as we obviously can’t allow deals on all goalies. Speaking for myself there are a couple of goalies that I will not pass on. I would like to add if we reach an agreement to pass on a goalie that doesn’t give you the right to acquire another goalie who otherwise would have been available to us. As for myself I will consider a draft and trade for a goalie but I would need a goalie back in the trade. I expect to come out of the draft with 4 goalies.

 

 

 

As for skaters we are willing to accept compensation (you will see the words 4^th round pick or comparable prospect a lot) to pass on a player. It is incumbent upon the GM to make deals with both of us. There may be times when one of us agrees to the compensation but the other doesn’t. This deal should be reached prior to the trade deadline to protect your interests.

 

 

 

I don’t know if the eligible list for draftees will be posted but I will be willing to select someone and move him, probably for a 4^th round pick or a comparable prospect. As in goalies there will be some players who I will not agree to move (probably not many).

 

 

 

Another option is to agree to leave a player unprotected and in return acquire a certain draft slot in the expansion draft. I already have made such a trade. Think of how much fun it would be to be “part” of the expansion process. You may have to prepare a list of players prior to the draft as the draft process may be in a private forum.

 

 

 

Commish note – it will be in an open forum for those who wish to join, but yes, we are not waiting for an outside GM to show up to make a selection. If you haven’t given guidance to the GM who to pick, you’re going to be stuck with who they select.

 

 

 

Another option is to trade us a pick(s) to select a player you want to move. The compensation would be based on how many years are left on the contract, the dollars involved and the ability of the player.

 

 

 

An option which I feel will be beneficial is to have us draft a player and trade him back to you. On my draft list are at least 30 NHL forwards who have played in at least 30 NHL games already (some in their 30’s, some with larger contracts that expire soon, some 3^rd liners, and some with high defensive ratings). Some will have talent that is attractive to a team. As for defensemen there is more talent available which fit the above category. We are giving you an opportunity to keep your guy for “blah, blah blah.  

 

 

 

The trade deadline is a month away.