Yesterday, as everyone sat around trying to process the expansion draft lists, we saw a flurry of action. The Arizona Coyotes dumped Shane Doan, the Bolts almost-but-not-quite-because-there-is-technically-a-roster-freeze signed Peter Budaj, and it seems like everywhere you look there’s a new rumor about teams making deals with George McPhee. By Thursday, McPhee will be guarding a metaphorical heap of hockey assets like Smaug guards the treasure of Erebor.

Doesn’t this sound like Marchessault’s about to be snatched by a dragon? Poor guy.

On to today’s links!

ICYMI

Did Florida successfully split the D with their protection list? - Pension Plan Puppets
You can make a side deal for protection, or you can set up a Gordian knot the Vegas deal makers can’t untangle.

Bob McKenzie’s final draft rankings are out and you’ll never guess who is at 17th - Pension Plan Puppets
We’ve updated our table of rankings from multiple sources so you can see how players are ranked across the board.

Leafs to play some pre-season games in Ricoh Coliseum this year - Pension Plan Puppets
They’re also going on the road to play the Habs in a neutral location.

Stuff We Didn’t Write

Star Exclusive: Hockey union alleges OHL broke labour laws | Toronto Star
Labour board filing pits upstart union against junior hockey league over player wages.

Leafs legend Johnny Bower coming to Georgetown this weekend | TheIFP.ca
Legendary Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Johnny Bower will be on hand to meet fans at the Georgetown Public Library this weekend.

Rumour: Vegas Golden Knights likely selecting Enstrom - Arctic Ice Hockey
Darren Dreger thinks the veteran blueliner will be a Jet for only a couple more days.

Islanders dealing first-round pick to Vegas, also likely trading Mikhail Grabovski to expansion franchise, sources say | Newsday
The Islanders have a deal in place to send their first-round pick to Vegas to steer the expansion franchise toward selecting a designated player off the Isles’ unprotected list, two NHL sources confirmed to Newsday on Monday.

Down Goes Brown: Coming up with a protected list for every NHL team's all-time roster
After months of speculation, the big day finally arrived yesterday. The NHL released the protected lists for all 30 teams, setting the stage for the Vegas Golden Knights to make their picks and fill out their first roster on Wednesday.

Shane Doan and the Arizona Coyotes part ways - Five For Howling
The captain and last remaining "Original" says farewell

Peter Budaj “in process of” agreeing to two-year extension with Tampa Bay Lightning, per Bob McKenzie - Raw Charge
Netminder will be paid an AAV of 1.025M.

From The Branches