The Columbus Blue Jackets face key decisions regarding player protection for the upcoming Seattle Kraken expansion draft. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of their likely approach:

Protected Players:

Forwards (7):

• Patrik Laine (pending RFA)
• Oliver Bjorkstrand
• Cam Atkinson
• Max Domi
• Boone Jenner
• Jack Roslovic
• Eric Robinson

Defensemen (3):

• Zach Werenski
• Seth Jones
• Vladislav Gavrikov

Goalie (1):

• Joonas Korpisalo

Exempt Players:

• Alexandre Texier
• Emil Bemstrom
• Liam Foudy
• Gabriel Carlsson
• Scott Harrington
• Elvis Merzlikins

Notable Exposed Players:

• Gustav Nyquist (F) - $5.5M AAV for 2 more years
• Kevin Stenlund (F) - Young center with potential
• Dean Kukan (D) - Solid bottom-pair defenseman

Most Likely to be Selected: Kevin Stenlund appears to be the most likely selection for Seattle, given his age (24), potential, and affordable contract. The Blue Jackets opted to protect Eric Robinson instead, valuing his recent performance and team control.

This expansion draft presents fewer complications for Columbus compared to other pressing matters like finding a new head coach and extending key players like Laine, Jones, and Werenski.

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