NHL GMs reportedly shocked at Seattle's ask to protect players in expansion draft

With the Seattle expansion draft a little over a month away, there is plenty of wheeling and dealing taking place between NHL general managers to ensure unprotected players they want to keep aren't snagged by the Kraken. However, officially getting a deal in place appears to be coming with a high price tag.

"Hearing from team execs around the NHL that there's still some sticker shock to what Kraken GM Ron Francis wants in return on side deals for teams with protection issues who want some certainty now," said TSN Insider Pierre LeBrun. "Tick tock. The poker game is on. One month away."

Seattle will choose one player from each team (except Vegas) on July 21st. NHL teams can protect seven forwards, three defensemen and one goalie, or eight skaters (forwards/defensemen) and one goalie. For teams with lots of depth, they are sure to lose players they prefer to keep, unless a deal can be put in place with the Kraken before hand. Simply put, Seattle has the advantage and, like Vegas, will use it to make the team better now and in the future. The Golden Knights managed to swing deals for names like Alex Tuch, Shea Theodore and Marc-Andre Fleury for agreeing to leave other players alone. In fact, not only did Vegas take Fleury from Pittsburgh in their draft, but also got a second round pick for agreeing to take him. Count on Seattle swinging similar deals before their upcoming draft.