NEW YORK, NY (WKZO AM/FM) – The NHL released the Red Wings’ protection ahead of Wednesday’s Expansion Draft. Detroit opted to protect seven forwards, three defensemen and one goalie.
Among the surprises left exposed by the team were defenseman Troy Stecher and forward Vladislav Namestnikov. Stecher carries a 1.7 million dollar cap hit in the final year of his two-year deal he signed in October 2020. Namestnikov struggled in his first year in Detroit, recording only eight goals and nine assists in 53 games played.
