The Chicago Blackhawks’ protection list for the 2017 NHL expansion draft is in, and there were no surprises. The team has protected 11 players from the Vegas Golden Knights, with much of that group already decided by no-movement clauses.
The only real decision that was left for Chicago GM Stan Bowman over the weekend was whether to protect one more defenseman or three more forwards. That was a bit of a no-brainer, though, as were the picks for two of the three final forwards added to the protection list.
In the end, the Blackhawks’ big protection list conundrum was Tomas Jurco or Dennis Rasmussen. The team went with Jurco, who is currently a restricted free agent, although odds are that the decision won’t matter much. Vegas will likely be taking another player anyway.
But we need to do some analysis here, dammit, so I’m gonna do it anyway even if you know what’s up already. Here’s why the Hawks protected each of their players.
Patrick Kane
No-movement clause. Good at hockey.
Jonathan Toews
No-movement clause. Good at hockey.
Artem Anisimov
No-movement clause. Good at hockey.
Marian Hossa
No-movement clause. Good at hockey.
Richard Panik
Good at hockey.
Ryan Hartman
Good at hockey.
Tomas Jurco
Might be good at hockey?
Brent Seabrook
No-movement clause. Good at hockey.
Duncan Keith
No-movement clause. Good at hockey.
Niklas Hjalmarsson
No-movement clause. Good at hockey.
Corey Crawford
No-movement clause. Good at hockey.
Have a great Sunday!