My observation from using Capfriendly's expansion tool a while back is that there weren't actually very many high salary guys with any attractive qualities likely to be exposed, AND on teams that didn't have attractive younger players. The ideal for LV would be a player who's salary < cap hit, but again, not many of those are out there either (without NMCs). I think Brouwer would be one of the most likely candidates for a high $ selection, assuming Vegas wants to go that route at all.
There are an abundance of intriguing players aged 22-26 - especially defensemen. If I'm LV, I'm selecting the minimum 14 forwards and loading up on young defencemen. Maybe a few extra goaltenders too, but I suspect a 24 y.o. d-man holds more value than a good back up.
I think it is almost certain that Calgary will lose a forward. If left exposed, I don't think Lazar would be a smart selection for them anyways (LV will not be a good setting for a young reclamation project). I would still lean to protecting Ferland and either Lazar/Shinkaruk (let's say Lazar).
I don't think it's worth spending any additional assets to determine our fate between Brouwer/Stajan/Shinkaruk.
In the end, I bet Shinkaruk is selected by LV.
But as I say that I also consider the trade value of Brouwer at 50% retained...that will be another good strategy for Vegas to meet the floor. I feel like maybe players can't be traded back to their teams? But I'd give Shinkaruk and another small asset for Brouwer half retained...
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