Expansion Draft: Edmonton Oilers Set to Lose Valuable Player to Seattle

The Seattle Kraken have July 17 marked on their calendars.as the deadline looms for every team in the NHL to submit their protected list for the expansion draft. From there the fun begins and the Kraken will announce their roster on July 21. There's going to be some tough decisions across the league, including who to pick up from their soon to be rival Edmonton Oilers.

For educational purposes:

Teams must submit their protected lists to the league by July 17
Each team must submit a protected list of seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goalie OR eight skaters and one goalie
Any player with a no-movement clause must be protected unless the player waives it
Each team must expose two forwards, one defenseman, and one goalie who are under contract and played at least 40 games this past season or 70 combined games over the last two seasons
Any player with a career-ending injury is exempt from selection
All first- and second-year players, as well as unsigned draft picks, are exempt from selection

Oilers Players to Watch:

Zack Kassian: Kassian is the best player who is likely going to be exposed by the Oilers and the Kraken will be able to use his toughness. The rugged winger can score more than he's giving credit for, and has the hands to keep up with being on a top-two line. His $3.2 million contract for the next three seasons isn't necessarily ideal for the Kraken, so expect them to select Kassian and perhaps listen to some trade offers. Regardless if they keep him or not, he's a prime target to get selected.

Caleb Jones: Seth's brother has been in a ton of trade chatter already this summer as the 24-year-old showed well last season. He's signed for 2021-22 at $850,000 and becomes a restricted free-agent. The former fourth-round pick played in 33 games last season, recording four points. He hasn't cracked all his potential just yet and could be given the chance to excel with the Kraken. That's if he's not traded for Duncan Keith before July 17.