Revisiting the expansion draft

A little over a year ago, we were all experiencing our first expansion draft in the digital age. We were able to discuss, speculate, and predict everything from protection lists to mock drafts with strangers across the internet. The rules were made public, and the protection lists were eventually made public as well. We had conversations for months.

In the end, the Rangers lost Oscar Lindberg to expansion. Based on who was made available, it was really only a decision between him and Michael Grabner. There was a possibility that Vegas would have taken Jesper Fast, but Lindberg –the center– was always the more logical choice. In the end, it was between the young center and the speedy winger.

But let’s play a game here. What if Vegas took Michael Grabner instead?

For many, the hope was Vegas takes Grabner. At the time, there was “no way” Grabner was going to repeat his 27 goal performance, after all. Add in Lindberg’s age and position, and you had a surefire win for the Rangers should Vegas take Grabner. Boy, were we wrong.

If Lindberg stays in New York, the immediate impact is pretty clear. The Rangers don’t get Yegor Rykov and a 2nd round pick for Grabner at the deadline. That’s one less solid defense prospect in the pipe, and that 2nd rounder (48th overall) was the pick used to trade up to get K’Andre Miller. No Rykov. No Miller.

As for the on-ice impact, losing Lindberg left the fourth line in shambles. His presence stabilizes the fourth line, perhaps making the acquisitions of Cody McLeod, Peter Holland, and many others possibly unneeded. Perhaps that leads to more points in the standings. Lindberg is better than anyone else the Rangers trotted out there as the 4C. Might be looking at a later pick, although there’s still a good chance the Rangers still land Vitali Kravtsov regardless. I think that impact is minimal.

Getting a little more wild. Perhaps the Rangers don’t go the David Desharnais route. Perhaps they think one of Lias Andersson or Filip Chytil are going to make the club, and they force the issue. Perhaps that ends up with a developmental issue. That is pure speculation on my part, but just throwing out the possibility.

It’s amazing the way things play out in the NHL. With one expansion draft selection, the Rangers could have missed out on several prospects, and could have jeopardized some development as well. As weird as it is to say, we should be a little grateful that Lindberg was snapped into the Soul Stone.