Big names left unprotected

Archived from 1998-99 season.

Some very big names were left unprotected in Friday's expansion draft. The Nashville Predators will pick one player from each NHL team. Nashville must select three goaltenders, eight defensemen and 13 forwards in the draft.

Each existing NHL team was allowed to protect either up to five defensemen, nine forwards and one goaltender or three defensemen, seven forwards and two goaltenders. Each team also was able to protect either one additional forward or defenseman.

Brett Hull, Doug Gilmour, Mike Richter and Curtis Joseph were among players left unprotected when the protected and available lists were published for each NHL teams.

Don't expect the Predators to go after those big names, they will all be unrestricted free agents on July 1 and might be reluctant to sign with an expansion team. Nashville will probably pick younger players and some gritty veterans.

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