What, you thought the Sound Of Hockey Podcast was going to wait until AFTER the Seattle Kraken Expansion Draft to publish its next episode? Well, with the entire hockey world abuzz with discussion about the Expansion Draft protected lists that got released on Sunday, there was just no way that John, Andy, and Darren could have waited that long to bring you their reactions.
This episode is a little more “from the hip” than regular episodes of the show, but the hosts do everything they can to touch on all of the big Seattle Kraken news from the past few days. Topics covered include the very chaotic pre-draft trade frenzy that closed Saturday, Ron Francis’s latest media availability, and of course the protection lists.
The review of the Expansion Draft protected lists largely comes by way of a game of “Interesting or Carry-On,” but the guys are very careful to touch on all the biggest-named players that have been exposed for Wednesday’s Expansion Draft. This show should bring you fully up to speed for that event.
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I love the episode and the podcast, y’all! Long time listener, first time commenter.
I think you dismiss the Ben Bishop possibility a little too easily. When you look at the roster of unprotected Stars players, it is incredibly light on talent–this is one reason why Khudobin was so popular on mocks.
Every other team has a higher opportunity cost than the Stars/Bishop combo. Even the Panthers–signing and selecting Driedger means you forego Frank Vatrano, a highly useful middle-six forward on a cheap contract who potted 18 goals last year.
So, given that the opportunity cost of Bishop is essentially a player you let walk, why not take a chance on a 3-time Vezina trophy finalist on an affordable $4.91M cap hit? If he doesn’t get healthy, you just LTIR him and use the cap space. If he does get healthy, you have a very good netminder. In the meantime, the other two guys (Vanecek, Kahkonen, DeSmith, etc.) should be solid enough to carry the load.
I’ll hang up and listen!
What about Jamie Oleksiak? They would have to sign him obviously as he’s a UFA, but his analytics are pretty good. He’d make a solid top-4 and at a cheaper price than say a Giordano. I’d be interested in bishop, but I think Oleksiak hasn’t been talked about a lot.
Honestly, you make a really good argument. There’s not much to pick from in Dallas, and you’re right that it’s not that huge of a risk to take him. I still don’t *think* I see it, but I’ve been wrong about things in the past. Thanks for listening and commenting!