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Dallas Stars Begin to Prepare For Impending Expansion Draft

By Katelin Brekken

Oct 25, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars center Gemel Smith (46) during the game against Winnipeg Jets at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Jets 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars center Gemel Smith (46) during the game against Winnipeg Jets at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Jets 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The upcoming summer will be unique, as the Dallas Stars face the possibility of losing teammates to the Las Vegas Golden Knights’ expansion draft.

In lieu of recent weeks, the Dallas Stars have made some pretty big decisions, namely one being the return of Ken Hitchcock. Many people are skeptical about his return, debating whether or not Hitchcock’s style of coaching will click with the current Stars. The chemistry is yet to be determined, but at their current state, there’s nowhere for the team to go but up.

Later in the summer, the Stars are also faced with the task of offering up some of their own for the NHL expansion draft. The NHL outlined Rules for the 2017 Expansion Draft, which allows the Knights to create a solid team.

For those who wondered why Gerard Gallant flew under Dallas’ coaching candidates, here’s an answer: Gallant will be the head coach of Las Vegas.

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While the Stars underwent their coaching search, speculation went into whether or not Gallant would be offered the coaching position. Now, it’s clear what happened. Perhaps poaching him as coach would count for the Stars’ offering to the Knights.

Unfortunately, that would be too good to be true. So, it’s up to the Stars to offer some of their players up.

Who Will the Stars Protect?

Check out the roster of all who played on the Dallas ice during 2016-17. The rules of the draft state that all first- and second-year professionals, as well as all unsigned draft choices, will be exempt from selection (and will not be counted toward their club’s applicable protection limits).

This rules out many of rookie players and second-year professionals, as draft exposure requires participation in at least 40 NHL games in the season prior or 70 total NHL career games. The Knights will pick one player from any of the 30 NHL teams. This means the Stars will only lose one player if any.

Dallas has two options for protection:

  1. Seven forwards, three defensemen and one goaltender
  2. Eight skaters (forwards or defensemen) and one goaltender

"All players who have currently effective and continuing “No Movement” clauses at the time of the Expansion Draft (and who to decline to waive such clauses) must be protected (and will be counted toward their club’s applicable protection limits)."

 The Stars’ Protection will be announced officially by June 17.

"The 30 NHL Clubs must submit their Protection List by 5:00 P.M. ET on Saturday, June 17, 2017. The Las Vegas team must submit their Expansion Draft Selections by 5:00 P.M. ET on June 20 and the announcement of their selections will be released on made on June 21."

Next: Dave Strader Hopping Back On Mic For Stanley Cup Playoffs

In regard to who the Stars decide to offer up, it will depend on whose contract allows it. It’s an interesting process to keep track of, especially during the playoff season. Las Vegas scouts have their eyes peeled for possible recruits, so maybe staying out of the public eye is beneficial for the Stars.

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