Another big name left exposed for the Seattle expansion draft
With reports that names like Vladimir Tarasenko, Carey Price and others will be left exposed during the Seattle Kraken expansion draft comes news that another big name is up for grabs. According to a report from the Denver Post, the Colorado Avalanche will not protect Gabriel Landeskog after being unable to come to terms on a contract extension.
While Tarasenko (injuries) and Price (contract) present risks for the Kraken, Landeskog does not. The only challenge would be getting him under contract before July 28th, when free agency officially opens. That would be much easier for Seattle than Colorado as the team has plenty of money to spend.
Landeskog has been public about his disappointment in his negotiations with the Avalanche. He's spent his entire career in Colorado after being drafted second overall in 2011 and is the current captain of the Avs. The 28-year-old has put up excellent numbers throughout his career and represents a virtual no-brainer for Seattle GM Ron Francis. The rumour is Landeskog wants a contract in the range of $7 million per season, something that will be difficult for Colorado.
The expansion draft will take place Wednesday. Team protection lists are expected to be made public Sunday morning.
