Iqaluit, NU (CP)
The Rovers announced the list of players that are available to the three RHL expansion teams, and the list is underwhelming. Only one player with a contract for RHL18 is exposed (goalie Andrew Raycroft), with the rest all free agents. Rover Report breaks down the expansion availables by position.
Forward
Protected: Thornton, Jokinen, Bergeron, Draper, Frolov, Pettinger, Horton, Demitra, Murray
Exempt: Higgins
Available: Bates, Lundmark, Hrdina
With nine contracted forwards and the rookie Higgins, the Rovers only have expendable free agents available at forward. Bates is a reliable penalty killer who had a surprisingly productive post-season, but he is replaceable at auction, and at a fraction of the cost of what he will demand from any expansion team that would select him with the hopes of meeting his demand.
Defense:
Protected: Schneider, Phillips, Regehr, Liles, D. Markov
Exempt: Phaneuf, Z. Michalek
Exposed: Johnsson, Warrener, Wesley, Van Ryn
The Rovers acquired UFAs-to-be Wesley and Van Ryn at the trade deadline and dispersal draft, respectively, and will be one of four Dmen seriously considered by the expansion clubs. All are free agents, but any could be drafted and see their demands met. The Rovers would have liked to have protected Johnsson, but that was not to be after they selected Phillips with their opening dispersal pick. If this is it for the talented Swede, he would leave the Rovers as their all-time leader in games played, goals, assists, and points among defensemen.
Goaltenders
Protected: Mason / Exempt: Emery / Exposed: Raycroft
Chris Mason and Ray Emery both expect to have strong bounce-back seasons after each feeling that they didn’t have their best year last season. One likes to hear that, but can’t rightly quibble with the overall result of a championship in what each called an off-year. Raycroft, the third-stringer that was pressed into service occasionally, will warrant some consideration and may go as a cheap back-up. If so, rookie Jaroslav Halak would look to fill the number three slot in training camp.
