EXPANSION LIST POSSIBILITIES

With the off-season now in swing for the Washington Capitals, the next to do list is the expansion draft. Many decisions have already been made, but some things are still a question mark. 

At forward, the following have already been told they will be protected. 

1. Mark Messier

2, Wayne Gretzky

3. Jari Kurri

4. Bobby Carpenter

5. Adam Creighton

6. Doug Brown

7. John Tucker

8. Sergei Makarov

The 9th and final spot will come down to a few guys. 

First, though, is a list of free agents up front or retirees.

None of these players will return to Washington, although a few may be looked at in free agency. 

Those not being protected for the expansion draft will be. 

Bobby Smith
Perry Berezan
Lane Lambert
Gord Sherven
Scott Bjustad
Vladimir Krutov

That will leave a list of three players that are possible for the 9th and final protected spot. 

Mike Krushelynski - The earlier favorite to be retained. He had a very good regular season puting up 21 goals,  53 points and a +18 playing mainly third line minutes, averaging 13.4 TOI. He also delivered 94 hits, took 117 shots for a 17.9% shooting percentage. 

Brent Ashton - a late season acquisition who also played 3rd line with Krush. His regular season was underwhelming with 10 goals and 24 points and only TOI of 9.4 minutes. However, most of his season was with the Flyers. The reason he is a possibility now is for two reasons. 
1. He had a solid playoff and outperformed Krush.  He had 1 goal and 5 points and was a +5 in the 8 games played. He also had 0 PIM's while Krush is a more physically less disciplined player.
2. Ashton's contract remaining is 1yr/2.76 mill. While Krush has a 1yr/3mill deal. 
A solid playoffs, cheaper contract and lower salary might give him the edge. 
 

Stu Grimson - While he is considered a late bloomer it is no secret what he is. He is an enforcer. While the Capitals are one of the most disciplined teams in the league, perhaps having someone protect all their stars might be a good idea. His contract is also much cheaper at 1 year/$1.25 million. He would strictly be 4th line, where the other two can play 3rd. 

So that appears to be the Capitals' expansion list of forwards for the 1994 draft.  Next article will be on the defense and goalies.