Wings Protect Howard From Expansion Draft

The Detroit Red Wings have elected to protect former UMaine goalie Jimmy Howard from the upcoming expansion draft to stock the new Las Vegas franchise. Former Black Bear Gustav Nyquist is also a protected player by Detroit.

The Wings had decide whether to expose Howard or the younger Petr Mrazek to the expansion draft. Howard has two years left on his current contract with Detroit.

Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins released their list of protected and unprotected players. The one big decision was between Kevan Miller and Colin White at defense. The B's chose to protect the older Miller.

Boston Bruins protected players...

• F David Backes
• F Patrice Bergeron
• F David Krejci
• F Brad Marchand
• F Riley Nash
• F David Pastrnak
• F Ryan Spooner
• D Zdeno Chara
• D Torey Krug
• D Kevan Miller
• G Tuukka Rask

Boston Bruins players not protected...

• F Matt Beleskey
• F Jimmy Hayes
• F Drew Stafford
• F Dominic Moore
• D Adam McQuaid
• D Colin Miller
• D John-Michael Liles
• D Joe Morrow
• G Malcolm Subban
• G Anton Khudobin
• F Brian Ferlin
• F Alex Khokhlachev
• F Tyler Randell
• F Zac Rinaldo
• D Linus Arnesson
• D Chris Casto
• D Tommy Cross
• D Alex Grant

Among other former UMaine Black Bears available in the expansion draft...Spencer Abbott(ANA), Teddy Purcell(LA), Brian Flynn(MONT) and Will O'Neill(PHILA).

NOTE: The NHL expansion draft allows the new Las Vegas Golden Knights to pick one player from each team. Their picks will be revealed on Wednesday.