With all of the upcoming NHL events, it can be tough to keep days straight. When are protection lists due? When do we find out who the Vegas Golden Knights have poached from the Columbus Blue Jackets? When can we trade again?
Fear not.
We are here to help. Without further ado, here are the dates that Blue Jackets fans should be focusing on the next few weeks:
June 17, 5 PM EST – This is the deadline for teams to submit their protection lists for the expansion draft to the league offices
June 18, 10 AM EST – The league will release protection lists to the public (so we can all panic and wring our hands)
June 18-21 – This is the window during which Las Vegas may make their expansion draft selections, sign unrestricted free agents, and sign unprotected restricted free agents
June 21, 10 AM EST – Las Vegas must submit their expansion draft selections to the NHL offices
June 21, 12 PM EST – NHL announces home openers for each team
June 21, 8 PM EST – NHL Awards show, featuring multiple Blue Jackets up for awards, and the public announcement of the Las Vegas expansion selections
June 22, 3 PM EST – NHL to release full 2017-18 schedule
June 23 and 24 – NHL Entry Draft
July 1, 12 PM EST – Free agency begins
As you can see, there is a lot coming up here in the next few days. We are looking forward to experiencing it all with you!