[D as in David]

Originally Posted by Finger Cookin

Which of Jokipakka, Smid, Engelland, and Nakladal (throw in Wotherspoon, Sieloff, Culkin, Kulak, and Morrison if you like) is most likely to a) meet the 40/70 game requirement, and b) be signed into the 17-18 season? And if Jokipakka is protected, which of the remaining names is most likely to meet the two conditions?

In terms of games played to meet 40/70, everyone listed would need to play the following number of games with the Flames this season and be signed into 17-18:

Smid: 40 games (48 games to meet 70 over 2 seasons)
Engelland: 1
Nakladal: 40 (43)
Wotherspoon: 40 (59)
Sieloff: 40 (69)
Culkin: 40
Kulak: 40 (62)
Morrison: 40

Of those guys, Nakladal probably has the highest chance of being re-signed and playing 40 games.

I don't think Jokipakka will be exposed because he's not valued by the Flames. I'm thinking he'll need to be exposed because he'll have to be. He only needs a contract and 12 games to meet the requirements. The other candidates will either need to play in far more games than they are likely to, or need to be re-signed when it's unlikely the club will be interested in doing so.

Except, according to Getbak's post, this coming season would only be his second pro season under an NHL contract and would not be exposed.