How many players are protected? 10, 11? Dillon is a free agent, Gudos is a free agent. Both gone. They are going to protect Carlson, you're crazy if you think they won't. On D they'll protect Carlson, Orlov, siegenthaler and Alexeyev if they have to protect him (not sure on service time), if not they'll protect kempny or Lewington. I'd leave Oshie unprotected, he's got 1 maybe 2 good years left and is kinda injury prone, is signed long term and that contract will kill us in 2-3 years. They'll protect backstrom, ovie, vrana, Wilson, Kuzy and Eller up front.